Third Test: New Zealand 65-0 against S. Africa

Cricket

Third Test: New Zealand 65-0 against S. Africa

Close

Guptill, Flynns opening stand was the highest of the series against South Africa.

25 March,2012 11:25 am

Martin Guptill and Daniel Flynn battled hostile pace bowling to guide New Zealand to 65 for no loss at the close of play on the third day of the third Test against South Africa at the Basin Reserve on Sunday.The pairs opening stand was the highest of the series against South Africa and only the second time New Zealands openers have passed 50 in the southern hemisphere summer.Guptill and Brendon McCullum posted 124 against Zimbabwe in Napier in January.Guptill was on 28, while Flynn, who was struck at least twice on the body as he tried to duck, weave and bob his way past the short-pitched bowling, was on 35 after the first full days play in the weather-hit Test.The first two days of the match had been badly affected by rain with more than seven hours play lost, while both days also ended early due to bad light.South Africa captain Graeme Smith had declared the visitors first innings at 474 for nine shortly after tea, with Mark Gillespie taking 6 for 113.Vernon Philander (29) was the final wicket to fall when he was caught on the boundary by Flynn to give Gillespie his sixth victim, following up his 5 for 59 in the second Test in Hamilton.Alviro Petersen top scored with 156, while JP Duminy scored 103 for the visitors, who look to have batted New Zealand out of the Test and series.South Africa have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following their nine-wicket victory in the second Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where they bowled New Zealand out for under 200 in both innings.