Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma can bat South Africa into a game-winning position on day two of the first Test in Dunedin.
Elgar, Faf du Plessis, and Bavuma impressed in what were challenging conditions at the University Oval on day one. Elgar and Du Plessis steered South Africa from 22-3 to 148-4 before Elgar and Bavuma put on 81 runs for the fifth wicket.
The Proteas have fought their way back into this contest. And yet, there is still work to do. South Africa’s hopes of a formidable first-innings total will hinge on this partnership.
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On the other hand, New Zealand will look to strike early on day two and limit South Africa to 350 or less. The hosts need to make inroads into the Proteas lineup in the first hour of play, as conditions for batting are expected to improve over the course of the day.
Elgar needs two more runs to record his highest score in Test cricket. There may be a chance for a 150, and possibly even a double ton.
Bavuma hasn’t scored a half-century since hitting 74 against Australia in Hobart last November. His one and only century was scored against England in January 2016.
ANALYSIS: Bavuma has a chance to go big
SA 229-4 (1st innings) – Dean Elgar 128 not out, Faf du Plessis 52, Temba Bavuma 38 not out, Neil Wagner 2-59
Photo: Dianne Manson/Getty Images
