1st Test: New Zealand fight back but face defeat

McCullum, Brownlie score half-centuries as tourists still trail by 133.

CAPE TOWN: Brendon McCullum and Dean Brownlie hit half-centuries as New Zealand fought back on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday.

New Zealand were 169 for four in their second innings at the close, still 133 short of avoiding an innings defeat. McCullum made 51 and Brownlie was undefeated on 69.

They are still likely to lose the match but it was a much better showing by the tourists after a calamitous first day during which they were bowled out for 45 and then leaked runs at almost four an over.

New Zealand’s bowlers and fielders set the tone with an improved performance, restricting South Africa to 97 runs and claiming five wickets in 31.2 overs before South Africa declared at 347 for eight, a lead of 302.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.