Wickets tumble, NZ win

Despite a failure from their batsmen, New Zealand’s seamers skittled the opposition for 91 to take a victory in their tour match.

Day 2 had closed following South African Invitation XI’s final wicket fell for 156, so New Zealand began the day hoping for their batsmen to get some time in the middle under their belts. However, this would not be the case, of the batsmen, Craig Cumming with 67 was the only to stay at the crease for any significant time.

The opening pair of Ethy Mbhalati and Lonwabo Tsotsobe tore through New Zealand’s top order to leave them 81-5, with four of the top five failing to pass five. The lone exception was Cumming, who remarkably scored 67 of those first 81 runs. The rest of the line up fared little better, as Jon Kent picked up 4-45 to skittle the line up for 145.

That left the South Africans with 308 in two sessions, a tough ask to say the least. Given how hard the conditions had been for the New Zealanders, they found it even tougher going. Morne Van Wyk made a brisk start, but would prove to be Shane Bond’s first victim, he finished with figures of 3-26. Bond and Oram ran through the top order to make it 44-5.

Chris Martin and Daniel Vettori were able to get in on the act as well, taking four wickets between them to finish off the innings for 91, securing a comprehensive victory.

New Zealand’s batsmen may have struggled to get some match practice in in this game, but they have a further warm up before the Tests start, against South Africa A. Their bowlers will be hoping they can continue today’s stellar performance throughout the tour.

New Zealanders 318 & 145
Craig Cumming 67
Jon Kent 4-45, Ethy Mbhalati 3-53

South African Invitation XI 156 & 91
Thami Tsolekile 30
Shane Bond 3-26

New Zealanders win by 216 runs