The New Zealand team is set to face South Africa in the second round of their two-match series on Friday.
In the first match, Matt Henry picked up 9 wickets and produced a half-century from no.11 in the first Test. Tom Latham is leading the current New Zealand team in the home test series against South Africa.
On the other hand, Dean Elger is facing a must-win game challenge if he wants to draw the series. If New Zealand finds success in the second match then it will topple Australia from first place in the Test Championship.
A draw, on the other hand, would give New Zealand their first series win against South Africa. Jamieson underlined that the players will be focused only on the task at hand.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled at large in the first test match. Also, they didn’t find any support from the batting side that stumbled to dust within the first 5 overs. They lost 3 wickets in that phase of 5 overs.
The 276-run defeat was South Africa’s worst since losing by an innings and 300 runs to Australia in Johannesburg in 2002. New Zealand has always struggled against South Africa. They have won only 5 matches in 46 tests played against South Africa.
This time, they did it without their top and most experienced players. Jane Williamson is still in recovery mode and he is set to miss another test match. The veteran Ross Taylor retired last month after clinching a victory against the Bangladeshi side.
The Hagley has been the most prominent hunting ground for the New Zealand team. They have won 9 out of the 10 matches played here.
In all possibilities, a draw appears to be more attainable for New Zealand. However, they will aim for victory. In test cricket history, we have such decisive and historical matches unfold very dramatically as both teams give their best.
The New Zealand series victory is significantly more likely than the South Africans levelling the series.