NZ vs SA 2nd Test: In the second Test match between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton, the Proteas faced a familiar struggle as their top-order collapsed, managing to score only 101 runs for the loss of five wickets on the first day.
After a disappointing loss in the first Test, South Africa’s woes continued in the second match. Winning the toss, South African captain Dean Elgar chose to bat first, but the decision backfired as the team lost five wickets for just 101 runs. The early breakthrough came in the second over when Matt Henry dismissed Clyde Fortuin, caught by Glenn Phillips.
As the innings progressed, wickets fell at regular intervals, and South Africa found themselves reeling at 101 for 5. Rachin Ravindra claimed two wickets, while Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, and Neil Wagner took one wicket each.
South African captain Neil Brand won the toss and opted to bat first in the second Test at Hamilton. Opening alongside Clyde Fortuin, Brand could only manage 4 runs before falling victim to Matt Henry. O’Rourke followed suit after contributing 25 runs, and then Neil Wagner dismissed Rassie van der Dussen.
Rachin Ravindra continued his impressive form, taking two crucial wickets, including that of Jubair Hamza, who had steadied the innings alongside David Bedingham after the loss of three early wickets. However, Ravindra sent Hamza back to the pavilion for 20 runs. Bedingham managed to hold one end, but his partnership with Keegan Petersen lasted only briefly as Tim Southee took a catch off Ravindra’s delivery.
South Africa found themselves in a precarious position at 101 for 5, with all five top-order batsmen contributing only 10 runs collectively. Rassie van der Dussen’s 32 runs were the highest individual score for the team.
This batting collapse comes on the heels of South Africa’s poor performance in the first Test at Bay Oval, where they managed scores of 162 and 247, ultimately losing the match by 281 runs. In contrast, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson scored centuries in both innings, contributing significantly to their victory.
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