Six debutants in the Proteas side faced the consequences of choosing to bowl as New Zealand reached 258-2 at stumps.
Williamson scored 112 off 259 balls, marking his 30th Test century, while Ravindra achieved his first century with an unbeaten 118 from 211 deliveries.
The duo built a partnership of 219, wearing down the South African attack that initially started well when captain Neil Brand, on debut, chose to field on a green-tinged Bay Oval pitch.
Seamer Tshepo Moreki dismissed Devon Conway with his first ball, and Dane Paterson removed Tom Latham, leaving New Zealand at 39-2.
Williamson and Ravindra persevered through initial difficulties before calming down, and their methodical approach paid off when their pitch eventually leveled out.
Even if they both misplayed a few balls, they will try again on Monday. They need to score 38 more runs to tie the record for most partnerships in New Zealand history versus South Africa.
Williamson and Ravindra persevered through initial difficulties before calming down, and their methodical approach paid off when their pitch eventually leveled out.
Even if they both misplayed a few balls, they will try again on Monday. They need to score 38 more runs to tie the record for most partnerships in New Zealand history versus South Africa.
Williamson’s century, his fifth in the previous six Tests, took his career average beyond 55 and cemented his standing as the highest-ranked Test batsman by the ICC.
Ravindra’s century came a week after being named the ICC men’s emerging cricketer of the year, following his outstanding performance at the 50-over World Cup in India.
Among the six Proteas debutants are Brand, Moore, Van Tonder, de Swardt, Fortuin, and Moreki. Despite their considerable first-class experience, the team lacks Test-level exposure, with Olivier being the most experienced player with 15 caps. The absence of several first-choice players due to contractual obligations in the domestic Twenty20 league added to the team’s challenges.
Leave a Reply