In an impressive display on day two of the First Test in Mount Maunganui, Rachin Ravindra’s monumental 240 puts NZ in the box seat over South Africa.
Despite never having batted in the top six in Test cricket before, Ravindra seized the opportunity at the No. 4 position, boosting New Zealand’s first innings total to 511 alongside Kane Williamson’s 118.
South Africa’s debutant captain Neil Brand, despite taking six wickets for 119 runs, could not curb the flow of runs.
Kyle Jamieson’s bowling efforts further tightened New Zealand’s grip on the match, reducing South Africa to 80 for 4 by the day’s end.
The day began with New Zealand at 258 for 2 but lost Williamson early.
Ravindra’s innings was marked by aggressive batting post-lunch, reaching his double century amidst loud applause and forming a significant sixth-wicket partnership with Glenn Phillips.
South Africa’s response was marred by quick wickets, with debutants struggling against New Zealand’s bowling attack. Jamieson’s spell saw the dismissal of both South African openers.
Despite a fighting 44-run partnership between David Bedingham and Zubayr Hamza, South Africa ended the day significantly behind and facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the test.
Recap:
- South Africa 80 for 4 (Bedingham 29*, Moore 23, Jamieson 2-21) trail New Zealand 511 (Ravindra 240, Williamson 118, Brand 6-119, de Swardt 2-61) by 431 runs.
