Recent Match Report – New Zealand vs South Africa 1st Test 2023/24

Tea New Zealand 125 for 2 (Williamson 52*, Ravindra 48*, Paterson 1-39, Moreki 1-44) vs South Africa

The visitors could have dismissed Williamson for 45 just minutes before tea when he uncharacteristically slogged against Ruan de Swardt’s medium pace, but the leading edge was shelled by Edward Moore while running back from extra cover. Williamson reached his fifty in the next over with a flick that dispatched the ball to the midwicket boundary and New Zealand were 125 for 2 at tea with Ravindra on 48.

Ravindra and Williamson patiently batted through a wicketless second session that saw just 60 runs scored off 27 overs because of the tight bowling from the four South Africa quicks, even though they lacked proper pace. Once the movement subsided after lunch, Ravindra, coming in at No. 4 for Henry Nicholls, and Williamson, having recovered from his hamstring injury, dug in with plenty of leaves and blocks.

South Africa’s bowling was led by Moreki, the quickest of the lot, and Dane Paterson, who used seam movement to trouble the batters at times. But Ravindra and Williamson steered New Zealand to safety with their patience as Williamson tried to put a scratchy start behind him, especially against Moreki early on. Once the ball got older, Williamson opened up with imperious boundaries off the same bowler in consecutive overs to get closer to his half-century. Ravindra soon caught up when he broke the shackles against Paterson with a cover drive and a mighty pull for a one-bounce four. Apart from the life Williamson got, he also edged the ball a couple of times but his soft hands ensured the ball didn’t carry to the slips.

South Africa had a promising start from Moreki who trapped Devon Conway lbw for 1 in the second over. In his accurate first spell of 5-1-10-1, Moreki beat Williamson three times in 15 balls for just five runs. Paterson was trying to trouble Williamson too by jagging the ball into him, but his success came when he drew the outside edge off Latham’s bat for 20. Williamson was also nearly run out when Ravindra tapped his fifth ball towards cover-point for a quick single which Williamson was able to complete because of a wayward through.

Ravindra’s start was much more confident, as he welcomed Moreki back for a second spell with a six he muscled over the long-leg boundary. Moreki continued to impress nonetheless and even drew Ravindra’s edge three balls later but it fell well short of second slip.

Ravindra enjoyed some more luck off Moreki on 23 when an inside edge off his bat just missed the stumps until he became a bit more watchful and circumspect to get closer to his maiden Test half-century.