2nd Test: Kagiso Rabada triple-strike puts South Africa in command against New Zealand on Day 2
India Today
Kagiso Rabada grabbed three big wickets as New Zealand struggled to 157 for 5 at stumps on day two of the second Test in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 364 in Christchurch on Saturday.
Kagiso Rabada knocked New Zealand's top-order to put South Africa in command on the second day of the second Test on Saturday in a reversal of form after its crushing first-Test defeat. New Zealand reached 157/5 at stumps in reply to South Africa's first innings of 364, which was inflated by a 62-run ninth-wicket partnership between Keshan Maharaj and Marco Jansen.
Rabada dismissed skipper Tom Latham caught down the leg-side for a duck, then Will Young nicked behind for 3, while Devon Conway fell to Jansen when New Zealand was 51 and Henry Nicholls was removed by the same bowler when he was 39. New Zealand were 91/5 when Tim Blundell was bowled by Rabada without offering a shot.
South Africa are on top with a lead of 207 against New Zealand, despite a spirited fightback from Colin de Grandhomme.#WTC23 | #NZvSA day two report https://t.co/KB4eDkgtXj
Colin de Grandhomme struck an unbeaten half-century from 36 balls, then blocked out several overs to be 54 not out when play ended in gathering gloom. Daryl Mitchell was 29 not out in an unbroken partnership of 66 for New Zealand's sixth wicket.
"Obviously this match is very different from the first Test," Rabada said. "We're competing and that's the way we're supposed to play. I think we're in a pretty good position here.
New Zealand lead the series 1-0 after thrashing the Proteas by an innings and 276 runs in the first meeting in Christchurch last week. While a draw will be enough for New Zealand to claim their first-ever series win over South Africa, victory would see the Black Caps dislodge Australia as the world's number one Test side, while shoring up their World Test Championship defense with maximum points.
