On the second day of the inaugural test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, the Kiwis displayed remarkable skill and resilience. Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding batting performance stole the spotlight, as he emerged as the day’s hero, setting new personal records and contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Starting the day at 258 for two, New Zealand faced the early loss of Kane Williamson, but Ravindra took charge, playing a masterful innings. Positioned at number four, a role he had never played before in Test cricket, Ravindra not only adapted seamlessly but flourished, scoring a dazzling 240 runs. This outstanding performance not only marked his maiden Test century but also surpassed Matthew Sinclair’s record for the highest individual score by a New Zealand batter.
South Africa’s captain and debutant Neil Brand, despite figures of six for 119, found it challenging to contain Ravindra’s onslaught. Kane Williamson’s contribution of 118 runs added to New Zealand’s dominance, enabling them to reach a formidable total of 511 in their first innings. Kyle Jamieson’s two crucial wickets further deepened South Africa’s woes, leaving them at 80 for 4 at the end of day two.
The day also witnessed some other good moments, including Mitchell’s aggressive innings, Ravindra’s patient wait for his double hundred, and Matt Henry’s quick-fire cameo at the end of New Zealand’s innings. Brand’s remarkable debut six-for, which included a stunning catch off his own bowling to dismiss Mitchell, showcased South Africa’s resilience despite the challenging situation.
In response, South Africa’s openers, Brand and Edward Moore, showed determination in the face of adversity but succumbed to the pressure created by Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry. The duo of David Bedingham and Zubayr Hamza displayed a brief but spirited counter-attack, adding crucial runs before Hamza fell to Santner.
At the close of play on day two, David Bedingham is currently at the crease with 29 off 39 balls, accompanied by Keegan Peterson on two. With New Zealand firmly in control, the test match promises more intriguing cricketing action as the battle between bat and ball continues in this two-match Test series.
Here’s how fans reacted to New Zealand’s dominance over South Africa on Day 2:
A classical innings from Rachin Ravindra comes to an end as he walks back to the pavilion after scoring 240 (366) against South Africa in first Test. pic.twitter.com/8XnekM5vWJ
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra breaks a 24-year New Zealand record with a superb double century!
More 👉 https://t.co/ipc1NM4TGO#NZvSA #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/Ccru93OrN9
— ICC (@ICC) February 5, 2024
240(366) from Rachin Ravindra. The poster boy of New zealand is here⭐️💛 pic.twitter.com/1l9yIsOjTl
— 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 (@SergioCSKK) February 5, 2024
Rachin Ravindra converted his maiden Test hundred into a double hundred
Ravindra is the the fourth Kiwi player to achieve the feat, he joins Martin Donnelly, Mathew Sinclair, and Devon Conway in elite list.
pic.twitter.com/KPbCh8ykMG
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) February 5, 2024
The abysmal over rate continues on day 2 with more overs lost in addition to those lost on day 1. Nobody should complain if the @ICC dishes out WTC points penalties after the match
— Frank from CPT (@FrankfromCPT) February 5, 2024
Very well played Rachin Ravindra for his 240 runs 💖
He is the one who will break Brian Lara’s 400 record 🤘#NZvSA #SAvsNz #IndvEng #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/DCoF8qU3uQ
— Muhammad Noman (@nomanedits) February 5, 2024
His maiden ton has been converted into a double. Fourth Kiwi to do so. Such a fabulous talent that the Kiwis have unearthed.
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) February 5, 2024
#SA is playing almost a new team for test matches against #NZ because the main players chose to play #t20leagues. If the players themselves choose such leagues instead of representing nation, how will the #testcricket survive? #TestVst20 #SAvsNZ
— Mihir Nishith Rajda (@mirr_n_rajda) February 5, 2024
Who is the idiot that decided to bowl first. He should never play cricket again. Do you guys NEVER learn???
— Johan West (@JohanWest4) February 5, 2024
I can’t believe that the most trusted contributors in SA Cricket Twitter, hyped up Duane Olivier and portrayed him as an enforcer and savior.
— Lunga (@Lunga_26) February 5, 2024
he achieved this milestone while sharing an unbeaten 219-run stand with his “idol” Kane Williamson just makes the moment even more special. It’s a reminder that in cricket, as in life, it’s so important to have role models and mentors who can inspire and guide us to greatness.
— Sonam Murarkar (@murarkar_sonam) February 5, 2024
They NZ will Win It In 3 days.. League Cricket is Destroying This Beautiful Game Of Cricket ……. #NZvsSA
— Imran Khan (@Imikhan1212) February 5, 2024
Wait is this the invitational team or A team? What’s going on?
— The Budda (@Budda_Mnisi) February 5, 2024
Our selectors have truly embarrassed us. Someone must be sanctioned for this💔🇿🇦
— Bestest Mensch (@MrTLeggedy) February 5, 2024
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