NZ v SA, 1st Test, Day 4 Review: Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis take South Africa's lead to 191

South Africa started the day with nine wickets in hand after a long Day 3 in the field. New Zealand were fired into a 33 run lead by their skipper Kane Williamson. Williamson scored a perfect century which helped his team overtake the proteas. South Africa ended day 3 with a five-run lead and Cook back to pavilion for a duck.

Day four did not start well for the Africans as they lost their star batsman Hashim Amla for 24. He was walked back to the pavilion by Neil Wagner. Wagner had to bowl his heart out during the day as Boult was not fit enough to take the field. This meant that the blackcaps were to take the field with only one pacer. Dean Elgar and Duminy fought it out brilliantly during the first and the second session as they stitched a 75 runs partnership together.

Wagner was rewarded for his hard work in the 49^th over. He was deep into his spell when he got his wicket in Jean Paul Duminy. The South African number four must have been disappointed as he got off to a good and fighting start before being caught by the substitute Tim Southee. Duminy was Wagner’s second wicket of the innings.

South Africa did not lose momentum as they wove another partnership. The skipper du Plessis and the opener Elgar were right on the money. They scored 80 runs together before Elgar edged one to Williamson. Dean played wonderful innings of 89 and missed out on what looked to be an inevitable century. Jeetan Patel worked his socks off for this wicket as he bowled 36 overs during the day.

This day was one of the slowest days as South Africa were crawling ahead building their lead run by run. Proteas kept losing wickets after they lost Elgar. The left arm offy, Mitchell Santner got rid of the classy Bavuma. He was cleaned up by the Kiwi bowler. The next wicket was just around the corner for New Zealand as Quinton de Cock failed to get a start yet again.

Two overs later, Patel bowled a beauty to get rid of the South African wicket-keeper. Proteas were now reduced for 218 for six. Faf du Plessis battled the rest of the day out with Vernon Philander. The South African skipper ended the day on 56 in 155 deliveries while Philander will resume the day with a run to his name.

Also read – Indian pacer Mohammed Shami to travel with Test team to Ranchi

With the game heading towards a draw and if rain doesn’t play any spoilsport there is a chance of a result as 94 overs are planned out for day five. South Africa lead by a 191 and are in pole position to win the test match if the fifth day sees a result.

Brief scores:

South Africa – 308 & 224/6 (SA lead by 191 runs) (Dean Elgar – 140 & 39)

NZ – 341 (Kane Williamson – 130, K Maharaj – 5/94