South Africa took a five-run lead over New Zealand after reaching 38/1 on Day three of the first Test that saw plenty of drama after a fire alarm forced an evacuation at the University Oval, Dunedin, PTI reported.
Chasing South Africa’s first innings total of 308, New Zealand scored 341 after Kane Williamson’s 16th Test century helped them take a first innings lead of 33 runs. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers finishing with figures of 5/94.
In response, South Africa lost opener Stephen Cook for a duck. It was then that the game was halted for 20 minutes after a fire alarm in University Oval’s main grandstand forced the ground’s evacuation. It turned out to be a false alarm, with firemen who searched the area blaming steam for setting off the alarm.
Despite the confusion, the visitors came back on the ground to play out the day without losing any more wickets. New Zealand’s spinners were unable to find success against Hashim Amla, who was unbeaten on 23, and Dean Elgar (12).
Cook was caught behind off Trent Boult without scoring on the fourth ball, and walked rather than seek a review — although replays were unable to detect the ball hit the bat.
Earlier Williamson’s 130 and half-centuries from Jeet Raval and BJ Watling helped New Zealand to take the lead for the first time in seven Tests dating back to 2012.
Williamson’s century tally of 16, puts him level with Ross Taylor and one behind the New Zealand record of 17 held by the late Martin Crowe. Williamson’s knock included 18 boundaries.
Brief scores
- South Africa 308 & 38/1 lead New Zealand 341 (Kane Williamson 130, Jeet Raval 52, BJ Watling 50; Keshav Maharaj 5/94) by 33 runs.
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