14 Feb 2024

Proteas take upper hand in second test against Black Caps

6:27 pm on 14 February 2024
New Zealand's Tom Latham.

New Zealand's Tom Latham. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

A Black Caps batting collapse in the final session of day two of the second cricket test against South Africa in Hamilton gives the visitors the advantage.

New Zealand were dismissed for 211, trailing South Africa's first innings total by 31 runs, when stumps were called.

The Black Caps lost seven wickets after tea and despite some fight from the final partnership it wasn't enough.

Earlier in the day New Zealand dismissed South Africa for 242 picking the last four wickets in the first hour of play, after the Proteas resumed on 220-6.

Black Caps debutant Will O'Rourke ripped through the South African lower order taking three of the four wickets to fall and finishing with figures of 4-59 to be the most successful of the New Zealand bowlers.

Black Caps pace bowler Will O'Rourke

Black Caps pace bowler Will O'Rourke Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

In reply, the Black Caps run chase got off to a disastrous with Devon Conway dismissed for a duck to have New Zealand 1-1.

Conway has struggled for runs recently, with 29 his top score in his last seven test innings.

Resuming after lunch at 27-1 both Tom Latham (40) and Kane Willamson (43) steadied the innings but they got out just as the home side looked as if it was getting on top.

The Black Caps were 121-3 at tea Rachin Ravindra (29) was the first wicket to fall after the break he was followed by Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips for single figures in quick sucession.

Will Young, who came into the team for an injured Daryl Mitchell, made 36.

Captain Tim Southee was caught on 5 and Matt Henry was run out for 10

Neil Wagner tried to move New Zealand closer to South Africa's total as he smashed 33 off 27 balls including 3 fours and 2 sixes while O'Rouke held up his end as faced 20 balls and remained scoreless.

Dane Piedt was the best of the South African bowlers, picking up a five wicket haul for his best test bowling figures of 5-89.

New Zealand lead the series 1-nil and a draw or win will give them their first ever test series win over South Africa.