Blackcaps vs South Africa: Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra put New Zealand in driving seat after early Latham wicket

The Blackcaps' newest master and apprentice paring are once again guiding their side out in the middle, as they steer New Zealand towards a historic first test series win over South Africa.

Their current 54 run partnership has the Blackcaps sitting on 107/2, needing a further 160 runs to complete a historic two-game series sweep.     

New Zealand took the crease on day four at Seddon Park requiring a further 227 runs to win their second consecutive test against the Proteas, after they set a second innings target of 267.

Having already nabbed struggling opener Devon Conway with the last ball on day three, it was South Africa who threw the first punch of the morning when in-form spinner Dane Piedt dismissed Tom Latham inside the first 30 minutes.   

It was an uncharacteristic mistake from the opener, spooning a slower delivery outside off straight to short cover to end his second innings at 30 runs.   

Latham's wicket brought rising star Rachin Ravindra to the crease, who together with Kane Williamson, slowly steered proceedings back in New Zealand's direction before the lunch break.

Williamson handled most of the scoring as Rachin was glad to rotate the strike back to the ICC’s number one ranked test batter.

The pair almost threw away their growing partnership when Williamson was nearly run out in the last over before lunch. However, he just managed to slide home before Zubayr Hamza knocked the bails off the stumps. 

At lunch, Williamson is unbeaten on 44 from 89 while Ravindra has added 13 off his 44 balls.

However, with only two batters surpassing the 50-run mark so far in Hamilton, South Africa will be hoping to grab a couple of quick wickets to swing momentum right back when play resumes after lunch. 

With the weather in Hamilton forecast to remain fine, the test match will most likely see a result today. 

The Blackcaps' newest master and apprentice paring are once again guiding their side out in the middle, as they steer New Zealand towards a historic first test series win over South Africa.

Their current 54 run partnership has the Blackcaps sitting on 107/2, needing a further 160 runs to complete a historic two-game series sweep.     

New Zealand took the crease on day four at Seddon Park requiring a further 227 runs to win their second consecutive test against the Proteas, after they set a second innings target of 267.

Having already nabbed struggling opener Devon Conway with the last ball on day three, it was South Africa who threw the first punch of the morning when in-form spinner Dane Piedt dismissed Tom Latham inside the first 30 minutes.   

It was an uncharacteristic mistake from the opener, spooning a slower delivery outside off straight to short cover to end his second innings at 30 runs.   

Latham's wicket brought rising star Rachin Ravindra to the crease, who together with Kane Williamson, slowly steered proceedings back in New Zealand's direction before the lunch break.

Williamson handled most of the scoring as Rachin was glad to rotate the strike back to the ICC’s number one ranked test batter.

The pair almost threw away their growing partnership when Williamson was nearly run out in the last over before lunch. However, he just managed to slide home before Zubayr Hamza knocked the bails off the stumps. 

At lunch, Williamson is unbeaten on 44 from 89 while Ravindra has added 13 off his 44 balls.

However, with only two batters surpassing the 50-run mark so far in Hamilton, South Africa will be hoping to grab a couple of quick wickets to swing momentum right back when play resumes after lunch. 

With the weather in Hamilton forecast to remain fine, the test match will most likely see a result today. 

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