New Zealand under-19 were well placed against South Africa under-19 after the first day of a four-day cricket international at Molyneux Park in Alexandra yesterday.
A sparkling fourth-wicket partnership of 116 between Greg Todd, who was unbeaten on 66, and Ross Taylor, 54 not out, was the cornerstone of a recovery that had the home side at 167 for three at stumps in reply to South Africa's first innings of 150.
The Central Districts pair set the innings alight. Todd's 50 came off 114 balls and Taylor's from just 75.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, but the New Zealand pace attack kept a brake on the scoring.
The visitors were all out in the 47th over.
South Africa struggled against enthusiastic ground fielding as well as the pace and variety of Ian Butler, who took two for 32, and standout Taraia Robin, who captured four for 65.
Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum took four catches.
Opener Steven Cook, who scored 23, and captain Rivash Gobind, who was run out for 68, were the only batsmen to reach double figures.
New Zealand started their innings also with a stutter, losing three wickets for 51 by the 23rd over.
South Africa were forced to omit allrounder Johan Botha, who has a fractured ankle, and pace bowler Monde Zondeki with a muscle sprain.
- NZPA
Cricket: Stand of 116 puts NZ under-19s in box seat
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.