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The Seddon Park in Hamilton witnessed intense cricketing action on Day 3 of the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa. Despite a magnificent century from Proteas’ David Bedingham, the day belonged to the Blackcaps, with William O’Rourke‘s exceptional fifer leading the charge. As the dust settles, New Zealand finds itself in a dominant position, needing only 227 runs to secure victory with nine wickets in hand.
South Africa’s struggle and David Bedingham’s brilliance
Entering Day 3 after bundling out New Zealand for a modest 211, South Africa faced early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Bedingham emerged as the saving grace for the visitors, playing a sensational innings and reaching a well-deserved century. His 110 runs kept South Africa in the contest, providing a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, Bedingham’s departure marked a turning point, and the only other resistance came from Keegan Petersen, who contributed 43 runs. South Africa concluded their second⛦ innings with a total of 235, setting New ༺Zealand a target of 266 for victory.
William O’Rourke’s dominance with the ball
In a bowling masterclass, O’Rourke showcased his prowess, bagging an impressive five-wicket haul. His ability to disrupt the South African batting lineup prevented them from settling in, turning the tide in favour of the home side. Glenn Phillips also played a crucial role, chipping in with two vital wickets. The disciplined bowling performance set the stage for New Zealand’s pursuit of the target.
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Tom Latham and Devon Conway provide New Zealand a promising start
Chasing 266 for victory, New Zealand made a promising start with openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway forming a cautious partnership of 40 runs. However, the visitors managed to break through, dismissing Conway, and the day concluded with New Zealand at 40/1. The stage is set for an in🍒trig🌜uing Day 4, where South Africa will look to stage a comeback by securing early dismissals.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
There’s something about William O’Rourke’s eyes just like with his🌟 pace & bounce. All 🌄very penetrating and impactful
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
22 years old William O’Rourke never picked up more than 3 wickets in an inning in his First Class career(15 Games)…
He made his debut in this Test & bettered his best FC performance in both innings by picking 4 & 5 wickets…
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek)
An incredible catch by Glenn💝 Phillips as he takes the wicket of Petersen 🔥🏏 v South Africa: 2nd Test | LIVE on DUKE and TVNZ+
— TVNZ+ (@TVNZ)
David Beddingham played an♍ absolute gem of a knock to bring up his maiden test match century for SA🔯 🔥👌🙌
Skipping the SA20 auction to prioritize test cricket is really d🍨oing him well.
DESERVED CENTURY
WHAT A PLAYER HE IS‼️— Lawrence Bailey ⚪꧑ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0)
✨Dav♔id Bedingham the next Michael Hussey of test cricket.
An outstanding player.
— Abdullah Neaz (@Neaz__Abdullah)
What a knock from David Bed🌃ingham 👏👏👏 Maiden test hundred at a crucial time for South Africa 🙌
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo)
David Bedingham lonely warrior!
Maiden Century away from home.
He should play for South Africa in 💜all theꦜ formats.— Lala Sampath (@LalaSampath)
Okish day for the Proteas. Collapsing from 204/4 to 235 all out got NZ into the Test. Some poor shots in that collapse, but Beddingham doesnt look like an impo🐈stor at Test level. Piedt key to a Test victory. Interesting to see how NZ strategise against him.
— Ryan Vrede (@Ryan_Vrede)
ꦗDay 4 is gonna be insane it’s anyone’s game to win can’t wait!!
— Aaron 🇳🇿 🦍 (@BlizzardKing_)
What an exceptional debu💎t for him in Test cricket, securing nine wickets 🎃in his inaugural match.
— Helvin Cardoz ❤️ (@CardozHelvin)
Conway Again 🤒💔
— Tradancyog (@TradancyOG)
Awful last session for South Africa🙈AT Tea they had big chance to bat New Zealand out the Test Match AND cause a B𝕴IG Shock BUT they colla🎃psed and NZ chasing 267 end Day 3 on 40-1👀Cracking Test Match🏏
— BCFC1875 (@YouBearsssssss)
Devon Conway's poor run of form continues. Perfect finish to the day for South Africa. Dane Piedt the key tomorrow, it promises to be a cracking finish to this Test.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
William O'Rourke picking up 5fer in his debut match for NZ
Total tally of 9 wickets in his first match.
Another star bowler in making from NZ
👏👏👏— Abhijeet Andansare (@ImAbhijeet17)