CRICKET: Elgar Vindicated as South Africa Wins Second Test to Draw with New Zealand
South Africa turned the tables on New Zealand, winning the second and final test by 198 runs in Christchurch on Tuesday to draw the series 1-1. New Zealand had won the first test in Christchurch by an innings and 276 runs. Rain was hindering South Africa’s push for victory today, with a break called before […]
South Africa turned the tables on New Zealand, winning the second and final test by 198 runs in Christchurch on Tuesday to draw the series 1-1.
New Zealand had won the first test in Christchurch by an innings and 276 runs.
Rain was hindering South Africa’s push for victory today, with a break called before tea on day five with the Proteas needing one wicket to complete their win.
After the break, an elated (and relieved!) Cricket South Africa tweeted: “Keshav Maharaj grabs the final wicket to ensure the #Proteas bounced back in emphatic fashion to claim victory in the second Test and guarantee they leave New Zealand with a drawn series.
“Series tied ? Thank you @BLACKCAPS ?”
South Africa captain Dean Elgar said he felt vindicated after his “bold” decision to bat first.
“Bold decision and one we had to take as a unit, luckily it paid off for us,” said opening batsman Elgar.
“It might have backfired on us and I would’ve looked like an absolute idiot. I am one of those guys who live for the decisions that I make for the side.”
Having suffered their second-worst test defeat in the first meeting in Christchurch, South Africa rebounded superbly at Hagley Oval, dismissing the Black Caps for 227 in their second innings, said Reuters.
Chasing a would-be world record victory target of 426 runs, New Zealand resumed on 94 for four in the morning and there was a flicker of hope of saving the match as they reached lunch at 180 for five.
However, the resistance was broken when wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (44) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (18) surrendered with loose shots after the break, and the Black Caps bowed out losing 6-61.
South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was Man of the Match after taking eight wickets and blasting 47 runs in the second innings as the Proteas piled on 354 for nine declared to set up the win.
Series tied🤝
Thank you @BLACKCAPS 💚 #NZvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/H71yHWOlCZ
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 1, 2022
MORE: Kyle Verreynne’s century helped pull SA to unexpected victory against New Zealand.