Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell star as New Zealand dominate second day of 1st Test against South Africa
Henry Nicholls and Matt Henry spearheaded a commanding display as New Zealand built a 387-run first-innings lead that left South Africa in deep strife on day two of the first Test on Friday.
At stumps in Christchurch, South Africa were three for 34, with Temba Bavuma on 22 and Rassie van der Dussen on nine, and needing another 353 to make New Zealand bat again.
South Africa trail by 353 runs at stumps on day two.
New Zealand were dominant in all three sessions and sit in a very comfortable position in the first Test.#NZvSA | #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/quK25g0Wzv
— ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2022
The record first-innings deficit overhauled for victory is 291 by Australia against Sri Lanka in 1992.
New Zealand were all out in their first innings late on day two for 482 in reply to South Africa’s 95.
The home side’s innings was anchored by Nicholls with 105. Tom Blundell (96) commanded the middle and tail while number 11 batsman Matt Henry added to his seven for 23 with the ball by frustrating the South Africans with an unbeaten 57.
Get the latest after a big Day 2 at Hagley Oval from one of the stars! Tom Blundell (96 today) chats with @cmacca10 on @sparknzsport. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/C19aORGt1x
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 18, 2022
A very popular 50 at Hagley Oval! What a Test @Matthenry014 is having. Follow play LIVE with @sparknzsport. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/m3u9hrSPZU
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 18, 2022
Henry then took one of the three South African second innings wickets to fall.
New Zealand on fire 🔥
South Africa down 3 wickets #SparkSport #NZvSA@BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/ezDso8tqiF
— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) February 18, 2022
Nicholls went to the middle with New Zealand at two for 36, and during his 267 minutes stay he shared in partnerships of 75 with Devon Conway (36), 80 with Neil Wagner (49), and 48 with Daryl Mitchell (16).
A hometown 100 for @HenryNicholls27 is our @ANZ_NZ Play of the Day at Hagley Oval! #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/qnxaJrkn2y
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 18, 2022