South Africa on brink of victory against New Zealand
South Africa were on the brink of a series-clinching victory after New Zealand collapsed on the fourth day of the second Test at St Georges Park on Sunday.
New Zealand were bowled out for 148 in their second innings, leaving South Africa to make 86 to win.
By the close of play, South Africa were 29 for one wicket.
South African captain Shaun Pollock sparked the collapse when he took two wickets in two balls.
He ended a 47-run fourth wicket stand between Mark Richardson and Nathan Astle when he had Richardson caught behind for 60. Craig McMillan padded up to the next delivery and was out lbw for nought.
Astle then slashed at a wide delivery from Makhaya Ntini to be caught behind for 18 and New Zealand had lost three wickets in seven balls.
New Zealands collapse occurred despite the absence from the South African attack of star fast bowler Allan Donald, who was suffering from unspecified stomach and ankle injuries. Donald was off the field for 25 minutes and did not bowl after lunch.
Donald is a doubtful starter for the third Test starting in Johannesburg Friday. Eastern Province fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam is on standby in case Donald cannot play.
New Zealand, trailing by 63 runs on the first innings, had seen off the new ball for the loss of only one wicket, with Craig Spearman lbw to Donald for nought.
Richardson and first innings century maker Mathew Sinclair put on 50 but two wickets either side of lunch by leftarm spinner Nicky Boje swung the game towards South Africa.
Sinclair went back to a ball which shot straight through and was lbw, to be followed by New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who edged a drive to slip.
The stand between Richardson and Astle ended when Richardson slashed at a lifting ball from Pollock and was caught behind. Having seen Richardson and McMillan dismissed, Astle then played a loose shot to the first ball of the next over and was soon followed by Adam Parore who drove Ntini to extra cover.
Brooke Walker and Shayne OConnor defied the bowlers for 76 minutes before seam bowler Lance Klusener wrapped up the innings by taking three wickets in ten balls.
The complete scoreboard
Mail Cricket Editor
