South Africa, inspired by a magnificent, unbeaten century from rookie wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, pulled within six wickets of a series-levelling victory in the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Monday.
Since suffering their second-worst Test defeat in the opening Christchurch Test, South Africa’s turnaround has been little short of extraordinary, with heroes emerging from unexpected places at Hagley Oval.
On Monday, it was Verreynne’s turn to shine as the 24-year-old produced a masterful 136 not out, humbling one of the world’s best attacks on their home wicket to set New Zealand an improbable chase of 426 runs for victory.
“Obviously getting a hundred is special but more importantly (it was) the value that added to the team,” said Verreynne.
Slotting into the Test side after the shock retirement of Quinton de Kock, Verreynne had big shoes to fill in replacing a team leader, wicketkeeper and heavy hitter in the South African set-up.
“Obviously (De Kock’s) retirement came as a shock to all of us, but I think pretty much from the next day, they all have given me that support and that backing that this is my spot,” Verreynne said of his coaches and teammates.
By stumps, New Zealand were still 332 runs short of what would be a world record chase to victory, reduced to 94/4 by a tandem assault of Rabada pace and Maharaj spin.
‘Exciting finish’
New Zealand were in the match at the start of Day IV when South Africa resumed at 140 for five but, anchored by Verreynne, the Proteas refused to buckle.
Stand-in captain Tom Latham and fellow-opener Will Young have managed a total of four runs in this Test, both falling twice to Rabada.
Henry Nicholls managed only seven runs before being bowled by Maharaj. Conway and Daryl Mitchell (24) resisted for a period but their 56-run partnership was broken by a superb Maharaj delivery that flummoxed Mitchell.
New Zealand must save the match or see their hopes of a maiden series win over the Proteas crushed again. “It’s going to be a challenge,” Black Caps batting coach Luke Ronchi told reporters. “It’s going to be tough but it’s going to be an exciting finish to a Test match.”
Brief scores: South Africa 364 & 354/9 decl (K. Verreynne 136 n.o., K. Rabada 47; K. Jamieson 2/81, N. Wagner 2/81, C. De Grandhomme 2/81). New Zealand 293 & 94/4 (D. Conway 60 n.o.; K. Rabada 2/17, K. Maharaj 2/32). At stumps, Day IV.
