New Zealand trail by 247 runs vs South Africa in Third Test

After dismissing South Africa for 314, New Zealand scored 67 without loss in their first innings at stumps on the second day of their Third cricket Test match at the Seldon Park here on Sunday.

Openers Tom Latham (42) and Jeet Raval (25) were at the crease when the umpires called off play for the day.

Earlier, resuming the day at 123/4, Temba Bavuma was the first wicket to fall when he tried to pull the ball that was slightly slower and went wrong. The ball from Matt Henry took the edge on its way to Raval at slip.

The next to go was Faf du Plessis in the 62nd over when Latham pulled off one of the most stunning catches seen in international cricket.

Anticipating that Faf du Plessis (53) was going to sweep Mitchell Santner, Latham moved from forward short-leg to his right and stretched his hand fully to pluck the catch to leave South Africa reeling at 190/6.

Even as wickets kept falling regularly, Quinton de Kock, who was playing despite a ligament injury, ensured that the runs kept coming.

He played a brilliant knock of 90, which included 11 fours and two sixes, and was built around handy partnerships with Du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry scalped four wickets while Neil Wagner took three. Colin de Grandhomme took two wickets.

--IANS

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