NZ vs SA Test | Hard day for South Africa as New Zealand dominates 1st test

Henry Nicholls’ eighth test century helped New Zealand to a 387-run first-innings lead as the Proteas limped to stumps at 34-3

Henry Nicholls’ eighth test century helped New Zealand to a 387-run, first-innings lead over South Africa on the second day of the first test Friday and the Proteas limped to stumps at 34-3 after a disastrous start to their second innings.

With additional contributions of 96 from wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, 45 from Colin de Grandhomme and 49 from South Africa-born Neil Wagner, who taunted his former countrymen as nightwatchman, New Zealand amassed 482 in reply to South Africa’s first innings of 95.

Matt Henry, who took 7-23 on the first day, added to South Africa’s discomfort with an innings of 58 at No. 11, joining a small company of players who have scored a half century and taken seven wickets in the same match. Henry and Blundell put on 96 for the last wicket to make New Zealand’s advantage in the match comprehensive.

In a torturous spell of nine overs before stumps, South Africa’s hopes of saving the match crumbled entirely. They lost Sarel Erwee to the second ball of the innings, Henry and Blundell combined to dismiss captain Dean Elgar without scoring and Aiden Markram was out for 2.

The Proteas were 4-3 before Temba Bavuma (22) and Rassie van der Dussen (9) steadied them before stumps at which they trailed by 353.

“If we can keep this momentum going, who knows? We can wrap it up tomorrow hopefully,” Blundell said.

The day was a great one for players often under-appreciated for their contributions to the New Zealand team.