Wellington – Nowhere in the script prior to the start of this second Test was there a warning that it may only last three days. History prescribes that the Basin Reserve is batting paradise after the opening day when the seamers have had their joy.
A copy certainly wasn’t handed to Keshav Maharaj. The Proteas left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been a revelation on this tour of New Zealand and further enhanced his growing status within the national team on Saturday.
A maiden “five-for” in the first Test last week in Dunedin has been improved on with Maharaj destroying the Black Caps' second innings with another career-best haul of 6/40 to propel the Proteas to a 1-0 lead with only the Hamilton Test to come.
Maharaj’s heroics followed Morne Morkel’s bristling opening three-wicket burst that left Kane Williamson’s team in disarray. The Kiwis were ultimately dismissed for 171 leaving South Africa with a target of just 81.
Openers Stephen Cook (11), who continues to endure a horrible time at the top of the order, and Dean Elgar (17) were the casualties in the run-chase, but ultimately South Africa breezed to a comfortable eight- wicket victory after the extra 30 minutes was taken to complete the job.
Incisively as Maharaj bowled, he could not though have asked for more help from New Zealand’s batsmen who were simply unable to cope with the relentless pressure exerted by the Proteas fast bowling trio.
Morkel (3/50) may have been the chief wicket-taker up front picking up Tom Latham (6), Kane Williamson (1) and Neil Broom (20), but Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada were unbelievably good in their respective roles. Philander nibbled away at the off-stump throughout, offering almost nothing in terms of scoring opportunities, while Rabada turned up the speed gun with deliveries screaming through at close to 150km/h.
By the time Maharaj came on to bowl the Kiwis were hoping for some respite from the pace barrage they were placed under, but there was nothing on offer.
The Dolphins star executed his role to perfection though as he used the strong wind he was bowling into to tease the Kiwi batsmen with his spin and guile.
It accounted for first innings centurion Henry Nicholls, Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, BJ Watling and the only Kiwi batsman who offered any form of resistance Jeet Raval. The opener lived a fortuitous life, being afforded three chances, but fought valiantly for his 80 before being stumped by Quinton de Kock.
South Africa will take plenty of confidence from this dominant display with Hashim Amla also starting to regain his touch with the former Test skipper finishing unbeaten on 38 (61 balls, 5x4) and JP Duminy 15 not out.