David Bedingham’s maiden century on Thursday helped an under-rated South Africa line-up to a 266-run lead over New Zealand on the third day of the second Test here.
New Zealand lost Devon Conway with one ball left in the day’s play and were 40/1 at stumps, still 226 behind with two full days remaining. Conway fell leg before to off-spinner Dane Piedt on the fifth ball of the 14th over, only seconds before the scheduled end.
While Bedingham was at the crease on the way to a career-best 110 and during a 98-run partnership with Keegan Peterson (43), a Proteas team which had been written off before their tour began were in control of the match, setting a difficult chase for New
Zealand.
South Africa are without most of their leading players who have stayed home to play in the domestic T20 franchise league. After losing the first of two Tests by 281 runs, they were in danger of becoming the first Proteas team to lose a Test series against New Zealand. Bedingham has given South Africa hope of avoiding that record. But the lead ended up much smaller as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 33 runs.
That was due to tall fast bowler William O’Rourke who took 5/34, the best innings figures by a New Zealander on Test debut.
“It’s a real special day,” O’Rourke said. “I was running in well, the ball felt like it was coming out well and there was a bit of bounce and carry. I’m ashamed to admit it but there were a few nerves.”
Brief scores: SA 242 & 235 (David Bedingham 110; William O’Rourke 5/34). NZ 211 & 40/1.