By A day of milestones set the stage for an enthralling finish to the Hamilton Test between New Zealand and South Africa. Seeking to maintain their proud record of never having lost a Test series to their hosts, South Africa unearthed a new batting star in David Bedingham, who notched his maiden Test century. His impressive 110 gave the visitors a substantial lead. Meanwhile, debutant William O’Rourke’s five-wicket haul dragged South Africa back into the game, keeping the match finely poised.
Chasing 267 for a historic series win, New Zealand ended Day 3 at 40/1, with Dane Piedt adding Devon Conway’s scalp to his five-wicket haul in the first innings.
South Africa began the day with the upper hand, having secured a narrow 31-run lead in the first innings. They ended the day slightly ahead, with New Zealand requiring another 227 runs on a track offering significant turn. However, South Africa didn’t start the day well. Despite an uneventful first 10 overs, opener Clyde Fortuin fell after attempting a paddle sweep and getting hit on the pads by a straight delivery from Rachin Ravindra. O’Rourke struck in his second over, dismissing Raynard van Tonder with a short ball.
Neil Brand scored 34 out of South Africa’s first 39 runs but fell to O’Rourke, who induced an inside edge to the wicketkeeper. With an overall lead of 70, much rested on the shoulders of the new batsman, Bedingham.
Bedingham started aggressively, scoring 34 off his first 36 deliveries before Lunch, and continued in a similar vein after the break, punishing the bowlers. Despite losing Hamza, South Africa built a solid partnership, with Bedingham and Peterson adding 98 runs. Bedingham, in particular, handled the short ball well, scoring boundaries freely.
However, a spectacular catch by Phillips off Matt Henry dismissed Peterson, triggering a collapse. Bedingham completed his century but fell shortly after, cutting a short ball to Phillips. O’Rourke then took two more wickets to complete his five-wicket haul as South Africa lost 6 for 33, setting up an exciting finish.
At stumps, New Zealand were 40/1, needing 227 more runs to win.
Brief scores: New Zealand 211 & 40/1 (Tom Latham 21*; Dane Piedt 1-3) trail South Africa 242 & 235 (David Bedingham 110; William O’Rourke 5-34) by 227 runs
