De Kock 90 lights up another rain-affected day

The third Test between New Zealand and South Africa continued to be affected by weather, meaning only 73.5 overs of play was possible on the second day at the Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday (March 26).

After South Africa, who was 123 for 4 overnight, was bowled out for 314, New Zealand went to stumps at 67 for no loss. Tom Latham and Jeet Raval were unbeaten on 42 and 25 respectively.

The moment of the day came in the third ball of South Africa’s 62nd over when Latham pulled off one of the most stunning catches seen in international cricket. Anticipating that Faf du Plessis was going to sweep Mitchell Santner, he moved from forward short-leg to his right and stretched his hand fully to pluck the catch, leaving everyone astounded. Du Plessis, who was 33 not out overnight, fell for 53, as South Africa became 190 for 6.

Temba Bavuma was the first wicket to fall when his attempted pull off a ball that was slightly slower went wrong. The ball from Matt Henry took the edge on its way to Raval at slip.

Even as wickets kept falling regularly, Quinton de Kock, who was playing despite a ligament injury to his index finger, ensured that runs kept coming. His 118-ball 90 included 11 fours and two sixes, and was built around handy partnerships with Du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, who made 34.

The ninth-wicket stand of 46 with Rabada was particularly crucial as it put South Africa in a strong position to go past the 300-run mark. De Kock was the ninth wicket to fall, lbw off Neil Wagner, who finished with figures of 3 for 104.

Henry was New Zealand’s most successful bowler with figures of 4 for 93, equalling his career-best returns. The action-packed play was sandwiched between a frustrating second session where only 26 balls was bowled.

Latham survived two reviews before the end of the day’s play. South Africa need at least a draw to secure its second consecutive series win in New Zealand, having prevailed by a margin of 1-0 on its last visit in 2012.

If South Africa draw or win, and Australia lose to India in Dharamsala, then it will end as the No. 2 Test side in the International Cricket Council’s rankings before the April 1 cut-off date.