Five-star Piedt puts inexperienced South Africa in lead against New Zealand

HAMILTON: Dane Piedt dismantled the strong New Zealand batting unit with a maiden five-wicket haul to give inexperienced South Africa a lead on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test here on Wednesday.

New Zealand’s strong batting lineup succumbed to a disciplined South African bowling attack, led by Piedt, who was recalled to the Test team after a gap of four years.

The spinner returned career-best Test figures of 5-89 as the hosts folded on a mere 211 in response to South Africa’s 242.

A fruitful day with the ball opened the prospect for an inexperienced South Africa to square off the two-match series after facing a 281-run thrashing in the first Test at Mount Maunganui.

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Notably, South Africa never lost a Test series against New Zealand but most of their first-choice players remained at home to participate in the domestic franchise league, SA20.

Meanwhile, Piedt, who failed to make a cut into the Playing XI in the first Test, claimed prized scalps of Kane Williamson (43) and Tom Latham (40) after lunch to halt New Zealand’s progress, who reached 75-1 at the conclusion of the opening session.

He then removed Glenn Phillips (four) and Will Young (36), before dismissing Neil Wagner, who offered late resilience with a gutsy 33 off just 27 deliveries.

Piedt was supported by pacer Dane Paterson, who returned figures of 3/39 to add further to the misery of the dominant hosts.

South Africa resumed their first innings at 220/6 but lost their remaining four wickets in just 8.2 overs after adding a mere 21 runs.

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