South Africa vs New Zealand: Rain ruins final day

Smith disappointed as South Africa draw 1st Test against New Zealand.

DUNEDIN: Captain Graeme Smith was a disappointed man after rain had the final say in deciding the outcome of the opening Test between South Africa and New Zealand in Dunedin.

New Zealand, who needed 264 to win with eight wickets in hand on the final day, watched as weather intervened to deny fans an exciting finish.

However, Smith, who was hopeful of a victory after setting the hosts an improbable 401-run target, rued the washout as he eyes the number one Test ranking, out of South Africa’s reach for now.

“We expected this, that’s why we declared when we did yesterday,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo. “We were hoping to have a bit of a go at them.”

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor aimed for a better performance in the second Test that starts on March 15.

“We need to keeping lifting our game in the next 10 days of cricket. If we do that, we’ll be competitive in the next two Tests.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2012.