South African opener Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 128 to rescue the Proteas from a disastrous start on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand in Dunedin on Wednesday. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the three-match Test series.
However, they lost opener Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla and Jean-Paul Duminy with only 22 runs on board as the New Zealand bowlers struck early. Cook was caught LBW by a Boult delivery for 3 runs while Amla and Duminy were outclassed by Neil Wagner as a helpless Elgar watched on.
But after captain Faf du Plessis came to crease, the batting was steadied. Elgar and du Plessis rescued their team with a brilliant partnership of 126 runs for the fourth wicket. Du Plessis fell after a brilliant knock of 52 with South Africa on 148. Elgar then continued to dominate proceedings as he reached his seventh Test century, with Temba Bavuma for company. The duo will look to continue their good run on Day two.
Brief scores: South Africa 229/4 (Dean Elgar 128 not out, Faf du Plessis 52) v New Zealand.
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