New Zealand dominates 1st test against South Africa

South Africa are facing an innings defeat in the first of a two-match Test series against New Zealand at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval after collapsing to 34 for 3 at Stumps on Day 2. New Zealand, who had bowled South Africa out for 95 in their first innings, scored 482 runs on the board, inspired by Henry Nicholls’ century and quickfire fifties from Tom Blundell (96) and tail-ender Matt Henry (58).

South Africa’s top order fell for the second time at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, leaving them 353 runs behind after being swept out for 95 in the first innings.

Rassie van der Dussen (9) and Temba Bavuma (22) will resume on Saturday hoping to avoid a humiliating loss in the series opener. South Africa’s four-man assault has looked pedestrian without a specialist spinner, and they also lost four catches to allow New Zealand off the hook.

On Thursday, Nicholls was the sole beneficiary of two such reprieves, which he used to smash his eighth test century. After New Zealand started on 116-3, Neil Wagner, who had taken over as nightwatchman on Thursday, set the tone by tearing into the South African attack.

Wagner smashed two sixes and seven boundaries in his entertaining 49 before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.

Nicholls, on the other hand, could not be denied his hundred, which he reached with a square-driven four off Duanne Olivier (3-100). He fell in Olivier’s following over, pushing him to second slip after a superb knock that included 11 boundaries.

Before New Zealand’s tail stinged the tourists, Colin de Grandhomme hit a quickfire 45 off 42 balls.

When South Africa batted for the second time in the match, their first four runs cost them three wickets. Tim Southee got rid of Sarel Erwee with the first ball of the innings and also got rid of Aiden Markram, while Henry got his eighth wicket of the match when he had visiting captain Dean Elgar caught behind for a duck.