South Africa beat New Zealand in 2nd Test; Series drawn
South Africa beat New Zealand in the second Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, to draw the two-match series 1-1. The Proteas successfully defended the 426-run target by bowling the Kiwis out on 227. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was named the Player of the Match for taking eight wickets in the match. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Kyle Verreynne shone with his second-innings century.
How did the match pan out?
South Africa piled up 364 after electing to bat first. Opener Sarel Erwee slammed a ton. In reply, the Kiwis compiled 293, riding on Colin de Grandhomme's magnificent century. Rabada took a five-wicket haul. The visitors declared on 354/9 in the second innings, with Verreynne putting up a one-man show. New Zealand were bundled out for 227 while chasing 426.
Verreynne slammed his maiden Test century
Verreynne's heroics helped South Africa gain a massive lead in the second innings. The middle-order batter rescued the Proteas after they were reduced to 103/4. Verreynne brought up his maiden century in Test cricket. He remained unbeaten on 136 off 187 deliveries. His scintillating knock was studded with 16 fours and 1 six. Notably, no other SA batter recorded a 50+ score.
Fourth-highest score by a SA wicket-keeper in away Test
As per Opta, Verreynne registered the fourth-highest score by a South Africa wicket-keeper in an away Test (AB de Villiers: 169 vs Australia in 2012, AB de Villiers: 164 vs Pakistan in 2013, Quinton de Kock: 141* vs WI in 2021).
Matt Henry: Player of the series
New Zealand seamer Matt Henry was adjudged the Player of the Series. He finished as the leading wicket-taker of the two-match series. The right-arm pacer took 14 wickets at an average of 16.14. Rabada follows him with 10 wickets. Henry recorded the best bowling figures of the series. He took seven wickets in the first innings of the series opener.
Rabada: Player of the Match
Rabada was named the Player of the Match. He registered his 11th five-wicket haul in the first innings (5/60). Rabada also scored a valuable 47 (34) in the second innings. He smashed four boundaries and as many sixes. Rabada took three wickets in the second innings as well. He registered figures of 3/46. The Proteas pacer impressed with his all-round skills.
A look at other notable numbers
New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme smashed his career-best Test score in the first innings (120*). Earlier, South African opener Sarel Erwee slammed his maiden Test ton (108). Neil Wagner took four wickets in the first innings. On the other hand, South African left-arm seamer scalped four wickets for 98 runs. New Zealand's Devon Conway smashed 92 in the second innings.
