Cricket: Philander powers South Africa to comfortable win

New Zealand lose second Test, trail 1-0 in three-match series.

HAMILTON:

Vernon Philander produced the best figures of his remarkable early career for South Africa to wrap up the second Test against New Zealand by nine wickets inside three days.

The tourists needed just 20 overs to reach the 101-run target in Hamilton after New Zealand crumbled in the face of Philander’s bowling to be all out for 168 in the second-innings. Captain Graeme Smith was not out 55 with Hashim Amla on 46 as South Africa reached the target for the loss of one wicket.

But the big win was set up by the 26-year-old Philander. Playing in only his sixth Test, Philander finished with a haul of six for 44 to give him match figures of 10 for 114 and the man-of-the-match award.

“It’s terrific because the bowlers work together and know their roles but they want to be successful in their own right, egging each other on,” said Smith.

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor, who saw his side get dismissed for 185 in the first-innings before the tourists gained a 68-run lead, admitted his side folded under the pressure imposed by Philander and Dale Steyn, who finished with match figures of five for 80.

“We were probably on top but Philander and Steyn put pressure on our batsmen and it told at the end of the day.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2012.