Kagiso Rabada nabbed three big wickets as New Zealand struggled to 157 for 5 on stumps on day two of the second Test in response to South Africa’s first innings of 364 overall in Christchurch on Saturday.
2nd Test: Kagiso Rabada gives South Africa command of Day 2 against New Zealand (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- New Zealand scored 157/5 on stumps on Day 2 of Test 2
- South Africa was ejected for 364 in the first innings
- Rabada picked 3 wickets to break NZ’s top order on Day 2
Kagiso Rabada beat New Zealand’s top order to put South Africa in a reversal of form after their crushing defeat in the first Test on the second day of Saturday’s second Test. New Zealand reached 157/5 at stumps in response to South Africa’s first innings of 364 inflated by a 62-run ninth-wicket partnership between Keshan Maharaj and Marco Jansen.
Rabada ducked skipper Tom Latham to his leg, then Will Young nodded with a 3 while Devon Conway fell to Jansen at 51 and Henry Nicholls was eliminated at 39 by the same bowler. New Zealand were 91/5 when Tim Blundell was bowled by Rabada without offering a shot.
South Africa are 207 ahead of New Zealand despite a struggling comeback from Colin de Grandhomme.#WTC23 | #NZvSA Day two report https://t.co/KB4eDkgtXj
— ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2022
Colin de Grandhomme batted half a century unbeaten with 36 balls, then blocked several overs and was 54 not out when the game ended in growing darkness. Daryl Mitchell was 29 not out in an uninterrupted 66 partnership for New Zealand’s sixth wicket.
“Obviously this match is very different from the first test,” said Rabada. “We compete and that’s how we should play. I think we’re in a pretty good position here.
New Zealand leads the series 1-0 after beating the Proteas by one innings and 276 runs in the first meeting in Christchurch last week. While a draw is enough for New Zealand to earn their first-ever win over South Africa, a win would see Black Caps oust Australia as world No. 1 in the Test while bolstering their World Cup defense with maximum points.
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