Rachin Ravindra’s maiden double century and six-wicket haul on debut by South Africa skipper Neil Brand were the highlights as the Proteas ended the day second of the first Test against New Zealand trailing by 431 runs at Mount Maunganui on Monday.
At the end of day one, SA was 80/4, with David Bedingham (29*) and Keegan Petersen (2*) unbeaten.
New Zealand started their day at 258/2, with Kane Williamson (112*) and Rachin Ravindra (118*) unbeaten at the crease.
Rachin and Kane started out things slow for Kiwis. But Ruan de Swardt struck early for Proteas, getting the prized wicket of Kane for 118 in 289 balls, with 16 fours. The star Kiwi batter was caught by Tshepo Moreki at mid-off. NZ was 271/3 after this 232-run partnership for the third wicket ended.
With a boundary by Rachin to Duanne Olivier in the mid-wicket region, the Kiwis reached their 300 runs in 102.2 overs. A boundary soon brought Ravindra’s 150 in 270 balls. Mitchell-Ravindra also brought up their 50-run partnership in 97 balls.
At the end of the first session, Kiwis was 330/3, with Ravindra (169*) and Mitchell (14*) unbeaten.
New Zealand reached the 350-run mark in 117.2 overs.
Skipper Neil Brand removed Mitchell via caught and bowled dismissal for 34 in 75 balls, with three fours and a six. Kiwis was 374/4 and another century partnership was undone.
Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell’s stay at the crease was shorter as he was dismissed by Swardt for just 11. NZ was 391/5.