South Africa keeps control over the hosts after Day 3
South Africa yet again establishes control over New Zealand even though both teams had their moments during the day. The test took place at the Hagley Oval. They went on to the field with a lead of 211 runs and five wickets in the pocket in the second innings.
The tourists lost their momentum for a while in the match, as a result of the partnership between Colin de Grandhomme and Daryl Mitchell. The partnership lasted up to 133 runs. It started when New Zealand lost 5 wickets for 91 by the end of the second day. The duo took advantage of the full-length deliveries of the South African pacers. The rain of boundaries prompted Dean Elgar to bring Keshav Maharaj into the attack.
South Africa wobbles after New Zealand’s offensive play
New Zealand continued to be on the offensive despite using the momentum. Niel Wagner took care of the short-deliveries by Jansen- resuming the quarrel between the two left-arm pacers. The wonderful knock came to an end when he pulled a short delivery of Kagiso Rabada to the fine-leg fielder. The pacer dismissed the no 11 Matt Henry for a golden duck to bundle out New Zealand for 293.
Colin de Grandhomme’s second Test century caused the revival of New Zealand. The all-rounder caused trouble for South Africa and its bowlers. He remained out of trouble when Maharaj came into the attack. Maharaj had troubled some of the batters of New Zealand earlier.
South Africa regains control after losing momentum
South Africa quickly went defensive as Tim Southee started dismissing the batters quickly, despite having a 71-runs lead. Sarel Erwee and Dean Elgar got dismissed earlier by an LBW and a catch respectively. Matt Henry’s deadly Yorker sent Aiden Markram to the pavilion soon after that.
Rassie van der Dussen helped his team move past Tea time despite being troubled on numerous occasions. He established a 71- run stand with the partnership of Tempa Bavuma before falling to Wagner’s bouncer.
South Africa seemed far more conservative with their stroke play as compared to the hosts, unlike their first innings. Most of their batters got their starts but failed to keep up. Kyle Verreynne and Wiann Mulder stood well in the last hour of the game and helped South Africa push their innings to 140 for 5 and sustain control with the lead crossing 200.
Brief Scores:
South Africa 364 (Sarel Erwee 108, Aiden Markram 42; Neil Wagner 4-104, Matt Henry 3-90) & 140/5 (Rassie van der Dussen 45; Tim Southee 2-28, Neil Wagner 2-44) lead New Zealand 293 (Colin de Grandhomme 120, Daryl Mitchell 60; Kagiso Rabada 5-60, Marco Jansen 4-98) by 211 runs.
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