Proteas power into winning position after Verreynne, Rabada heroics

Considering how the Proteas were embarrassingly thrashed by an innings and 276 runs in the first Test, it would represent a quite remarkable comeback if South Africa can bounce back with a win in this second match.

LIVE: SOUTH AFRICA V NEW ZEALAND, 2ND TEST DAY 1

Coming into day four on Monday, Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder were looking to continue a repair job for the Proteas, having taken South Africa to 140/5 with a lead of 211 overnight.

Mulder would eventually be dismissed for a well-played 35, leaving Verreynne to take control of the innings with a sensational maiden Test century, which saw him finish on 136 not out off just 187 balls.

It was the sort of knock that has unequivocally marked the arrival of Verreynne as a genuine batting threat in addition to his superb wicket-keeping consistency.

As good as Verreynne was, the Proteas did find themselves 219/7 went Marco Jansen was dismissed, but then Kagiso Rabada strode to the crease, and the big fast bowler duly proceeded to smash 47 off 37 balls – which included four big sixes in what was a thrilling knock.

It helped South Africa to 354/9 before Dean Elgar declared, while Rabada then continued his heroics by removing both New Zealand openers, which had also been the case in the first innings.

Keshav Maharaj then joined the party, bowling Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell to reduce New Zealand to 81/4 in pursuit of a target of 426.

However, it’s not really a target anymore considering there is no way the hosts will be able to reach that total. Day five will simply see New Zealand somehow striving to secure a draw, while the Proteas will go in hunt of a stunning comeback victory in this second and final Test.

You can see the full scorecard here

PROTEAS TEAM NEWS

In changes that were made for the second Test, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder came back into the side, while Keshav Maharaj also returned. Interestingly, Lutho Sipamla cracked the nod in place of Glenton Stuurman.

South Africa

Dean Elgar (captain), Sarel Erwee, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Lutho Sipamla

New Zealand

Tom Latham (captain), Will Young, Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wkt), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry

STATS AND TRIVIA

New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in a Test series and have lost 13 out of 16 series against them

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