Match Prediction:
The second and final Test between New Zealand and South Africa begins on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. local time in Hamilton. New Zealand won the series opener by 281 runs at Mount Maunganui last week. Continue reading as we preview this game. The match is scheduled on February 13th at Seddon Park.
New Zealand took the lead on Day 1 of the inaugural Test and never looked back, winning by a huge margin with a comprehensive performance with both bat and ball in Mount Maunganui. Although Daryl Mitchell’s absence will create a hole in the side, we believe they will be far too strong.
There were some things to take away from South Africa’s opening game, but the fact is that they were utterly outplayed and never seemed like they might win the match. It would be a major surprise if they could later produce a better performance in Hamilton.
Winning Chances:
Toss Prediction:
Weather Report:
Pitch Report:
There isn’t much turn for the spinners, and bowlers have to work hard to get wickets. A typical first innings score at Seddon Park will be more than 500.
Head to Head:
New Zealand Preview:
The New Zealand test squad thrashed the Proteas in the series’ first test. They currently hold an unrivaled 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The victory would have given the Kiwis a boost heading into the second test. Kane Williams has recently been New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in test matches. He has scored 845 runs in his previous 13 innings, at an average of 70.41. Daryl Mitchell scored 505 runs in his previous 13 innings at an average of 45.90.
Devon Conway has also done an acceptable job. Tim Southee, a seasoned fast bowler, has been bowling brilliantly for New Zealand in recent games. He has 22 scalps in his past 14 innings, at an average of 29.09. Matt Henry is the next bowler on the list, with 21 wickets in his past eight innings at an average of 23.47. Ajaz Patel is another high-performing bowler. He has 14 wickets in his previous four innings, with an average of 23.92. These are New Zealand’s key players in the second test.
New Zealand Squad Preview:
Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee (c), Matt Henry
South Africa Preview:
If you look at the head-to-head record of these two teams over the previous five matches, they are equal at two victories apiece. One game finished in a tie. In the first game at Mount Maunganui, the New Zealand side batted first and scored 511 runs before being dismissed. The Kiwi bowlers then swept away South Africa’s inexperienced lineup for 162 runs. The New Zealanders set a 529-run objective for South Africa. This proved too much for them, and although improving their batting in the second innings, they were only able to score 247 runs.
Dane Patterson was South Africa’s finest bowler during New Zealand’s first innings. He took five wickets for 98 runs in his 32 overs. Duanne Olivier also took three wickets for 119 runs, while Tshepo Moreki claimed two. Keegen Peterson was South Africa’s best run-scorer in the first innings, with 45 runs off 132 balls. During the Kiwis’ second innings, none of the South African bowlers managed to take more than one wicket. In South Africa’s second inning, David Bedingham led the way with 87 runs, 13 fours, and three sixes.
South Africa Squad Predicted:
Edward Moore, Neil Brand (c), Raynard van Tonder, Zubay Hamza, David Bedingham, Keegan Petersen, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin (wk), Duanne Olivier, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson
New Zealand vs South Africa Prediction:
