Cricket: Proteas’ pace proves too much for New Zealand

South Africa fast-bowlers dominate opening day of 2nd Test.

HAMILTON:

South Africa’s pace attack humiliated New Zealand’s middle order in an extraordinary display that put the Proteas firmly in control on the first day of the second Test.

Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn ran rampant as New Zealand lost eight wickets in the final session – including five in a 20-ball spell when the shell-shocked home side did not score a single run – to be all out for 185. Philander finished with four for 70 and Steyn took three for 49, as captain Graeme Smith’s decision to send New Zealand in to bat on a green-tinged wicket in Hamilton paid off spectacularly.

It was a just reward for the South African bowlers, who had toiled for little gain after early success in dislodging New Zealand’s openers Rob Nicol (2) and Martin Guptill (22) before lunch. While New Zealand claimed consolation wickets as South Africa went to stumps at 27 for two, the Proteas succeeded in asserting their dominance after the first Test ended in a rain-affected draw.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2012.