Day 3 of the ongoing second Test of the series between New Zealand and South Africa saw the Proteas further maintain their dominance in the clash. Day 2 of the second Test ended with New Zealand bundled out for 211 runs in the first innings after the Proteas had posted 242.
Coming into Day 3 with a lead of 31 runs, South Africa put in a good performance with the bat in the second innings. Skipper Neil Brand opened the innings with a score of 34 runs, and New Zealand’s bowling attack performed exceptionally well to keep the visitors’ top order quiet.
Clyde Fortuin was sent packing for just three runs, Raynard van Tonder scored just one, and Zubayr Hamza fell prey to Neil Wagner after scoring just 17 runs in 63 deliveries. However, after a subpar showing by the top-order, David Bedingham stabilised the innings for the visitors.
The 29-year-old scored a brilliant century, adding 110 runs in 141 deliveries, followed by a decent Keegan Petersen knock, who scored 43 runs in 79 deliveries. Both batters helped South Africa post 235 runs on the board in the second innings, giving the Black Caps a target of 267 runs to chase down.
As for New Zealand, William O’Rourke was once again the highest wicket-taker, with five wickets to his name. Glenn Phillips took two wickets, with Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, and Neil Wagner striking once each as well.
Aiming to chase down the target, New Zealand lost their first wicket early into the second innings. Devon Conway was sent packing for 17 runs in 44 deliveries, and the third day of the clash ended with Tom Latham on the strike for 21 runs. As Day 4 approaches, New Zealand need 227 runs to win the game with nine wickets in hand.
Here’s how X reacted Day 3 of the second Test between NZ and SA:
NZ lost a wicket in the last over of the day to be at 40/1, they still need 227 runs to win. Both NZ and SA have a chance, will be interesting to see on day 4#NZvSA #CricketTwitter
— Zen Crick-IT (@zencrickit) February 15, 2024
A brilliant knock from David Bedingham 👏 His 1st international Test 💯 🔥
4th test match and he has scored 50 & 100 SA top scorer against a quality Black Cap attack its safe to say that with him our middle order is starting to look solid #NZvSA#Proteas #sscricket #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/ynehQMRCBJ
— Christopher (@Christo79744616) February 15, 2024
— Christopher (@Christo79744616) February 15, 2024
A Test debut to remember for Will O’Rourke as New Zealand press the advantage in Hamilton 👀#WTC25 #NZvSA
— CRIC UPDATE KING 👑 (@ShaikAr40631249) February 15, 2024
The Proteas could have easily gone above 300 lead, possibly 350 even.
Why were they playing T20 cricket? What has happened to earning every run. Beddingham’s 100 was great, but also tok attacking… Why? #NZvSA#BlackCaps#Proteas#TestCricket
— Pieter Swart (@PietSw) February 15, 2024
An incredible catch by Glenn Phillips as he takes the wicket of Petersen 🔥🏏@BLACKCAPS v South Africa: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/zTOYDW3Bq7
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) February 15, 2024
— Hammer and Gavel (@hammer_gavel) February 15, 2024
#NZvSA summary.
For the Proteas, Hamza yet again fails to live up to the promise, Dane Piedt has been impressive, Rv Tonder exudes inexperience, K Peterson yet again fails to covert his start, D Bedigham scored his maiden test century & has been ever impressive since his debut.+
— Kandur 🇵🇸 (@WaniSpeaks) February 15, 2024
David Bedingham lonely warrior!
Maiden Century away from home.
He should play for South Africa in all the formats.#NZvSA
— Lala Sampath (@LalaSampath) February 15, 2024
Okish day for the Proteas. Collapsing from 204/4 to 235 all out got NZ into the Test. Some poor shots in that collapse, but Beddingham doesnt look like an impostor at Test level. Piedt key to a Test victory. Interesting to see how NZ strategise against him. #NZvSA
A dream debut for Will O’Rourke 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aL1DtHaphB
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 15, 2024
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 15, 2024
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An incredible catch by Glenn Phillips as he takes the wicket of Petersen 🔥🏏@BLACKCAPS v South Africa: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+ pic.twitter.com/zTOYDW3Bq7
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ) February 15, 2024
— 𝐙𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐈 ذیشان 𝐈 ज़ीशान 𝟐.0 (@zeeshan_naiyer2) February 15, 2024
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