South Africa struggled early, but resolute knocks by Hashim Amla (50) and skipper Faf du Plessis (33 not out) helped them claw their way back in the contest on the first day in the deciding third Test at Hamilton. The Proteas were at 123/4 before rain washed away the rest of the day’s play.
New Zealand got off to a dream start through their makeshift new-ball pair, Matt Henry (2/25) and Colin de Grandhomme (2/43). Debutant Theunis de Bruyn was the first to depart, removed for a duck by Henry before De Grandhomme castled in-form opener Dean Elgar with a ball that that deviated away from the batsman.
From 5/2, Amla and JP Duminy patiently went about resurrecting the South African innings with a 59-run stand for the third wicket. However, both batsmen threw their wickets away to hand the advantage back to the Kiwis. Left-armer Neil Wagner had Du Plessis in all kinds of trouble early on but the South Africa captain did well to see off a hostile spell and find the boundary at will.
Brief score:
- South Africa 123/4 (Hashim Amla 50, Faf du Plessis 33 not out; Matt Henry 2/25, Colin de Grandhomme 2/43) vs New Zealand
