Published: Feb 16, 2024, 12:19 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 16, 2024, 12:19 PM (IST)
At lunch on the fourth day of Friday’s match, New Zealand stood at 107/2, requiring 160 runs to secure victory in the second cricket test and clinch a series win against South Africa, a feat they had never achieved before .New Zealand began their innings at 40/1 on the fourth day, pursuing a target of 267 runs for victory following the dismissal of Devon Conway on the final ball of the third day. By the break, Kane Williamson remained unbeaten at 44, while Rachin Ravindra had accumulated 13 runs.
Off-spinner Dane Piedt claimed the wicket of Tom Latham (30) in the sixth over of the day. However, Williamson and Ravindra managed to withstand the bowling attack until the break, forming a 50-run partnership from 114 balls.
The match retains the possibility of delivering another thrilling finish, a scenario New Zealand has become known for in recent years, such as their memorable one-run victory over England.
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The pitch at Seddon Park is proving to be more challenging for batsmen than expected. Despite its appearance, it offers turn and occasional bounce, adding to the difficulty for the players. Occasionally, the seamers produce deliveries that unexpectedly bounce from a length, forcing the batsmen to remain vigilant. This explains why Ravindra has taken 44 deliveries to score 13 runs and Williamson has faced 89 balls to accumulate 44 runs.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is not under any time pressure, having had two full days at the start of the match to chase down another 227 runs.
Dane Piedt remains the most threatening bowler for South Africa, having recorded career-best figures of 5-89 in the first innings. This came as South Africa dismissed New Zealand for 211 in response to their own total of 242, giving them a lead of 31 runs. In their second innings, South Africa managed to score 235 runs.
Piedt made a loud appeal for lbw against Ravindra in the 16th over of the morning session, which was turned down by the umpire. South Africa decided to review the decision, but replays indicated that the ball was missing the leg stump by a significant margin.
Shortly afterward, Ravindra managed to get a slight touch on the ball, which narrowly evaded wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin’s reach as it headed down the leg side.
At certain moments, Piedt was bowling in conjunction with the experienced leg spinner Shaun von Berg, who, at the age of 37, is making his Test debut. Although he has not yet taken a Test wicket, von Berg boasts an impressive record of 477 first-class wickets.
New Zealand currently leads the two-test series 1-0 following their victory in the first test by 281 runs. Williamson and Ravindra played pivotal roles in that triumph, notably through their partnership of 232 runs in New Zealand’s first innings total of 511.
