NZ vs SA, 1st Test: Key takeaways from Day 1
What's the story
Matt Henry highlighted a top-notch bowling effort to help New Zealand dominate the proceedings on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Henry claimed seven wickets for 23 runs to rip apart the Proteas. SA were bundled out for a paltry 95-run score in just 49.2 overs. In response, NZ have taken a 21-run lead (116/3).
Bowling
A terrific bowling performance by Henry
Henry was substantial for the Kiwis as he removed the top-order in the first session. After lunch, he returned to polish the tail. Henry bowled well and extracted seam movement. A few SA batters also played poor shots to surrender themselves. This was Henry's best bowling figures in Test cricket. He now has 44 Test scalps at 39.43.
Context
Why does this story matter?
NZ have taken the honors on Day 1 and credit to Henry for running away with the show. He was at his absolute best to defy the visitors. Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner were superb as well. They supported Henry with accuracy and preciseness. Meanwhile, Nicholls deserves credit for batting as per the situation. He has looked confident so far.
Stat attack
SA post their lowest score; Henry scripts these records
South Africa's 95/10 is their worst total in an innings versus New Zealand in Tests. This is also the lowest score at the Hagley Oval. Henry (7/23) has recorded the best figures by a Kiwi bowler versus SA. Henry has scripted the best bowling performance in Tests at the Hagley Oval, bettering the record held by Trent Boult (6/30 vs Sri Lanka in 2018).
NZ
NZ have the advantage
NZ were reduced to 36/2, losing Will Young (8) and Tom Latham (15). However, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls settled the nerves with a superb 75-run effort for the third wicket. Conway perished for a 76-ball 36. He hit three fours. Nicholls is unbeaten on 37. He faced 54 deliveries and played a positive brand of cricket. Neil Wagner is unbeaten on two.
SA
SA fail to get the new ball talking
SA needed to make early inroads with the new ball, but Kagiso Rabada (0/34) and Glenton Stuurman (0/19) couldn't extract any purchase. Marco Jansen (1/11) made the crucial breakthrough when he dismissed Will Young for eight. Duanne Olivier (2/36) got the key scalp of Tom Latham (15) shortly after to reduce the hosts to 36/2. Olivier also dismissed Conway at a crucial stage.