South Africa defeated New Zealand in the 2nd test at Oval, Christchurch, to uphold their streak of not being beaten by the blackcaps ever in a Test series. The Proteas had their backs against the wall after losing the first match of the two-match series by an innings and 276 runs.
In the second test match, The South African captain, Dean Elgar, opted to bat first after winning the toss against his counterpart, Tom Latham. Here at Cricreads, we bring you the match-defining moments from each innings of the series leveler second test.
Review of 2nd Test match between South Africa & New Zealand
South Africa’s First Innings
The Proteas started positively, with Elgar and Erwee forming a 111 run stand for the 1st wicket. After Elgar’s departure, Markram joined Erwee for an 88 run partnership for the 2nd wicket. With significant contributions from Jansen and Maharaj in the latter part of the innings and on the back of Erwee’s handsome 108 runs, the Proteas managed to post a total of 364 runs. Neil Wagner and Matt Henry were the picks of the bowlers for Kiwis, scalping four and three wickets, respectively.
New Zealand’s First Innings
Trailing South Africa’s 364, the Kiwis had a meek start, losing five wickets at just 91 runs. However, Daryl Mitchell and Grandhomme had an extensive 133 run partnership for the 6th wicket. After Mitchell’s departure at 224, Grandhomme continued his fireworks and dragged New Zealand closure to 300. They finished with 293, including Grandhomme’s valiant 120* off just 158 deliveries. Rabada once again impressed with five wickets, and the young Jansen added four more to his international tally.
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South Africa’s 2nd Innings
Having conceded a lead of 71 runs, the Kiwis were determined to pull the brakes on the Proteas batters. They quickly got rid of their top three by giving away just 38 runs. However, Verreynne stood tall against the blackcaps and held one end till the declaration. He scored unbeaten 136* runs, and South Africa declared at 354/9, including Rabada’s outburst of 47 runs in just 34 deliveries. Southee, Jamieson, Henry, and Wagner each picked up two wickets in the 2nd innings.
New Zealand’s 2nd Innings
Chasing a mammoth total of 425 runs, the Kiwis never looked comfortable. Apart from Devon Conway, who scored 91, and Tom Blundell, who chipped in 44 runs, no one else showed any resistance. They managed only a paltry 225 runs in the reply. Rabada, Jansen, and Maharaj each took three wickets to ensure South Africa’s victory & maintain their record of never losing a test series against the Kiwis.
Kagiso Rabada was awarded “Man of the Match” for taking eight wickets and contributing significantly with the bat in the 2nd innings. On the other hand, Matt Henry was adjudged “Man of the Series” for picking up fourteen wickets in the series and scoring a half-century in the first test at Oval.