Published: Mar 26, 2017, 07:08 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 26, 2017, 11:45 AM (IST)
The drama unfolding in rain-marred third and final Test between South Africa and New Zealand seems to find no respite at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Faf du Plessis, who raised his 12th Test fifty, was aiming to build a healthy lead for South Africa. Kane Williamson decided to bring Mitchell Santner for his first over with Tom Latham scripting the rest. Du Plessis had smashed 53 on Day Two of the first session before being stunned to an incredible catch by Latham at short leg. Latham anticipated the South African skipper was lining up to sweep Santner and was already leaping to his right before the ball was hit. Full Cricket Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 3rd Test at Hamilton
He stuck his hand out and held on to the catch with one arm firmly and frantically celebrating running around the field. That catch not just left du Plessis spellbound but also added a surprise smile on umpire Bruce Oxenford. Latham continued his sensational fielding skills grabbing new batsman Vernon Philander this time at the second slip handing Matt Henry his four-for. However, Latham has been out of form with the bat in the series and would be expected to fire-up in this crucial match. Du Plessis, De Kock’s fifties boosts SA lead in first session vs NZ on Day 2 of 3rd Test
Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock continued his repair work and took his side to 243 for 7 at lunch along with Keshav Maharaj who remained unbeaten on 5.
As the threatened rain held off, South Africa put on 120 in the session which was extended by 30 minutes to compensate for time lost on the first day.
