PIEDT’s CAREER-BEST PERFORMANCE PROPELS SOUTH AFRICA BACK INTO CONTENTION
When Dane Piedt last graced the Test cricket arena for South Africa, at Ranchi in 2019, he endured a torrid time, conceding over 100 runs in just 18 overs.
His struggles against a rampant Rohit Sharma appeared to signal the end of his career.
Yet, more than four years later, under less spin-friendly conditions, the 33-year-old off-spinner staged a remarkable comeback.
Piedt’s career-best performance of 5 for 89 on the second day of the Hamilton Test not only gave the visitors an unexpected 31-run first-innings lead but also revitalized his own career.
The prospect of such an achievement seemed implausible at the start of the day’s play, with the Proteas facing the likelihood of conceding their first-ever series to New Zealand after losing four wickets for just 22 runs in the morning session, folding for 242.
Despite Shaun von Berg’s commendable resistance on the opening day, the South African innings ended swiftly as William O’Rourke claimed four wickets on debut, including that of half-centurion Ruan de Swardt and Dane Paterson off consecutive deliveries.
Nevertheless, South Africa refused to relinquish control to their hosts.
Paterson’s early breakthrough, dismissing Devon Conway, set the tone, while relentless spells from both Paterson and Tshepo Moreki kept the Black Caps at bay, yielding just 27 runs in 16 overs before Lunch.
Although Kane Williamson and Tom Latham weathered the storm with a steady 75-run partnership for the second wicket, the drinks break provided South Africa with a much-needed reprieve.
Piedt capitalized on the opportunity, dismissing both set batsmen, Latham and Williamson, for scores in the 40s, employing his crafty off-spin to perfection.
Despite a brief resurgence from Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, South Africa remained resolute, with Moreki accounting for Ravindra’s wicket just before Drinks in the final session.
Paterson and Piedt continued to apply pressure, further dismantling the New Zealand lineup with timely breakthroughs.
Young’s departure, followed by Tim Southee’s dismissal to Paterson’s short-ball tactic, left the hosts reeling.
Neil Wagner’s aggressive cameo momentarily stemmed the tide, but Piedt had the final say, claiming his fifth scalp by dismissing Wagner, as South Africa asserted their dominance after two innings of the Test match.
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