Century from Proteas star David Bedingham leaves Black Caps with tantilising target in final Test
15th February 2024
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A maiden Test century from South Africa's David Bedingham would help set a target of 267 for New Zealand to chase in the final innings in Hamilton.
Spending most of the day batting at Seddon Park, the visitors posted 235 before New Zealand managed 40/1 at the end of play, leaving a tricky 227 runs to win.
Earlier, South Africa began the day looking to build on their 31-run lead earned with the help of Dane Piedt's five-for on day two.
But New Zealand struck early, sending Clyde Fortuin and Raynard van Tonder back to the pavilion cheaply. Having scored almost all his teams' runs up until this point, captain Neil Brand was next to fall for a well-played 34 and the visitors were teetering on 39/3, their lead 60.
That brought Bedingham to the crease and he and Zubayr Hamza steadied the ship, taking them to Lunch and beyond, putting on 65 runs together. Having shown so much endeavour for his 17 of 63, Hamza lost his patience and attempted to pull a short ball from Neil Wager, only to hole out at deep square leg.
But Bedingham stood resolute. He moved to 50 of 67 and was now supported at the other end by Keegan Petersen who was finding some form. With the Proteas effectively 233/4, the match looked to be slipping away from the hosts.
However, a brilliant catch from Glenn Phillips would spark them to life. Petersen looked to guide a full ball outside off through backward point, but Phillips would take a one-handed catch catching diving to his right, sending the Kiwis into raptures.
And so began the collapse, with debutant William O'Rourke picking his way through the Proteas lower order. Bedingham would fall for a brilliant 110, edging a steep one from O'Rourke to gully.
The last six wickets fell for just 33 runs, bringing the Blacks Caps back into the Test. A five-for from O'Rourke would see him finish with 9/93, the best match figures for a New Zealander on debut.
The hosts then had a trying session to face up to and see out the day's play. Openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway carved several boundaries and looked comfortable until the introduction of Piedt's off-spin, which bagged the Proteas an important wicket.
Playing all around it, Conway was trapped in front and sent packing by the umpire Ahsan Raza, leaving the final Test nicely poised going into day four.
