Rachin Ravindra's Maiden Century and Kane Williamson's Masterful Display Propel New Zealand to 258/2 on Day 1 against South Africa
Uninterrupted Partnership of 219 Highlights Opening Day at Bay Oval
On the first day of the first Test against a weakened South Africa at Bay Oval on Sunday, Rachin Ravindra struck his maiden century in the format and Kane Williamson his thirty in an uninterrupted partnership of 219 as New Zealand put up 258 for two.
After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bowl and got off to a quick start in the second over when Tshepo Moreki, one of the six Proteas debutants, removed Devon Conway leg before with his first-ever Test delivery.
On a bright and sunny day at Mount Maunganui, the more experienced Dane Paterson saw the other Black Caps opener, Tom Blundell, push ahead for 20, but that only drew the form-bound Ravindra and former captain Williamson together.
The two took their time to score and were still securely at the wicket at the end of play, displaying remarkable patience in the face of South Africa's precise seam bowling attempts to smother them.
Ravindra said, "Pretty special, more than the individual landmark, just contributing to a great day for us as a team." Williamson is undefeated at 112. Williamson will continue on 118 not out.
Ruan de Swardt (0-24) may consider himself unfortunate that the master batsman's effort to slug the seamer over the covers did not finish up in Edward Moore's hands. Williamson did seem irritated at one stage during his knock.
But in his 97th test, the 33-year-old was quickly making another four to reach the half-century mark for the 34th time, and he turned it into another century with his 13th boundary.
When de Swardt was on 80 runs, Ravindra, 24, also took a wicket off the unfortunate player. His top edge was going towards Duanne Olivier at backward square leg, but the fielder misjudged it as he was charging forward.
The all-rounder was participating in his maiden Test match in two years. He was just awarded the ICC Emerging Player of the Year.
In a nutshell, the score was New Zealand 258/2 vs South Africa (Rachin Ravindra 118, Kane Williamson 112). Day 1 at stumps.
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