South Africa’s David Bedingham yesterday scored his maiden Test century and then said he was “very confident” they could dismiss New Zealand short of the 267 needed to win the second and final Test in Hamilton.
New Zealand, inspired by debut seamer Will O’Rourke’s five-wicket haul, were 40-1 in their second innings at stumps on day 3, needing a 227 more to complete a record run chase and a 2-0 series win.
Tom Latham was not out on 21, while Devon Conway was trapped LBW by Dane Piedt for 17 in the day’s final over.
Photo: AFP
The highest successful fourth-innings chase by any team at Seddon Park was 212, achieved by Australia against New Zealand 24 years ago.
Bedingham’s 110 was the standout knock in South Africa’s second innings of 235, supported by 43 from Keegan Petersen and 34 from captain Neil Brand.
It handed the understrength tourists an opportunity to square the series and deny New Zealand their first-ever series win over the Proteas.
“Our goal was to bat through the day, so we were a bit short of that, but I think taking Conway’s wicket right at the end is a massive bonus,” Bedingham said. “Inside the changing room we have 11 guys who are very confident we can win it. I just hope my 110 is in a winning cause.”
With his team 31 runs ahead on first innings, Bedingham batted aggressively in difficult conditions.
The 29-year-old scored 12 fours and two sixes in a 141-ball stay that followed his 87 in the first Test in Mount Maunganui, which South Africa lost by 281 runs.
Bedingham and Petersen combined for a fifth-wicket stand of 98 before Petersen’s dismissal sparked a collapse, with the last six wickets falling for 33.
O’Rourke had too much pace and bounce for the tailenders, finishing with 5-34, giving him nine wickets in the match in an eye-catching Test debut.
Earlier, he removed Raynard van Tonder for 1 and then Brand in quick succession to have South Africa in trouble at 39-3.
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