South Africa beat New Zealand on 198 points in the second Test in Christchurch on Tuesday, dashing the hosts’ hopes of a landmark series victory over the Proteas.
After suffering a second-worst Test defeat in their first meeting in Christchurch, South Africa rebounded brilliantly on the Hagley Oval to take the black caps in the second innings after the fifth day of tea The team was eliminated with 227 points.
Chasing a would-be world record victory target of 426 runs, New Zealand resumed on 94 for four in the morning and there was a flicker of hope they might save the match as wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme reached lunch at 180 for five.
After half-time, however, the home side’s resistance eased quickly as both players dragged pacer Marco Jansen to the fielder’s side, dropping their wickets.
Jansen and pace striker Kagiso Rabada crossed from behind with a second fresh ball before early rain brought morning tea as South Africa needed a wicket to win.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj grabbed Matt Henry lbw’s duck to seal the victory.
Match star Rabada said his side had to improve after their first game defeat.
“Playing against New Zealand is never easy, we know what we have to do and I’m glad we got the job done,” he added.
“We didn’t rock at all in the first Test… We knew we had to win this game, at least 1-1.”
New Zealand seaman Henry, who was named the series’ best player, said the hosts were disappointed they didn’t get their first win in the Test series against the Proteas.
“Obviously we have high hopes for this game, but you have to take your hat off to South Africa,” Henry said.
“I feel like their comeback is very strong and definitely deserves a second Test.
“I think the stakes are high…it does work in their favor time and time again. We’ve been fighting, but in the end it’s not there.”
Lutho Sipamla previously denied New Zealand third-placed Devon Conway his fourth Test century and broke a stubborn 85-run five-wicket partnership with Blundell.
The Proteas’ third seafarer trapped Conway lbw 92 and New Zealand lost a DRS transfer as the batsman tried to overturn the decision.
Brendel kept hitting the ball with composure and patience until executing a half-hearted pull that allowed Temba Bavuma to grab the short midfield with ease.
De Granholm scored a century in the first inning, and on Janssen’s next he hit Vian Mulder straight at the leg tube.
Jensen grabbed the third wicket as end Kyle Jamison hit Rabada with 12 shots from deep.
Rabada returned to attack, Tim Souther leading in the middle of the wicket against Siphamra and 17 minutes in, allowing Maharaj to win the final wicket.
Complete News Source : The Indian Express
