Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[DanWalker]

3 wickets for just 79 runs. Something went really wrong this time for the Newzealand side. Latham out for a duck and Young for just three runs. Nicholls and Mithchell have the ability to take them out of this situation. If these two also get out then Newzealand will be in deep trouble.

I was not expecting this performance from New Zealand bating line-up but very strong comeback by South African bowlers specially Rabada is pick of bowler but still very long way to go for them if they want to win this match and level this series currently Grandhomme is on counter-attack and he completely his fifty very quickly with the help of 7 fours and 2 sixes in just 39 balls.

Right now, both complete fifty of partnership also which is good for home team as they lost early five wickets very quickly but still trailing by 216 runs but if they want alive in this match and want to win this series these both need to stay at crease for some long time. Now, after winning first test by bowlers and poor batting from South African in second test, New Zealand struggling in batting and feeling shortage of their experienced campaigner Ross Taylor and captain Williamson.

It's stumps on day 2 and I'm actually surprised to see what has transpired in this match. New Zealand are 5 down for 157, they have played 45 overs. Grandhomme scored a 50 though. I would like to see them play really defensive right now and just stay at the pitch. If they don't get out they will score eventually. But things don't look so good as they are still trailing by 207 runs.

[galambo]

It's stumps on day 2 and I'm actually surprised to see what has transpired in this match. New Zealand are 5 down for 157, they have played 45 overs. Grandhomme scored a 50 though. I would like to see them play really defensive right now and just stay at the pitch. If they don't get out they will score eventually. But things don't look so good as they are still trailing by 207 runs.

Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell have rescued NZ as 5 wickets were gone for 91 runs. They both have a partnership of 66 runs. NZ can reach 364 or near to that if both of these players stayed on for two sessions of third day. Right now chances of winning the game are towards South Africa.

[SirLancelot]

It's stumps on day 2 and I'm actually surprised to see what has transpired in this match. New Zealand are 5 down for 157, they have played 45 overs. Grandhomme scored a 50 though. I would like to see them play really defensive right now and just stay at the pitch. If they don't get out they will score eventually. But things don't look so good as they are still trailing by 207 runs.

South African comeback in this match is really shocking for me specially after losing very bad in first match and New Zealand batting collapse is also really surprised because they lost 5 wickets just for 91 and now an all-rounder and wicket keeper is on crease for some resistance which is good for home team but still as we all watching leading is massive so from here most chances South African will take some good lead, and they need some good batting in second inning for win and level of this series which is going to be great booster for them as right now they are having few young's and facing too much internal and off field issues regarding past and current management.

Now tomorrow first hour is going to be very crucial for both teams because if they take wickets then surely they will be on top otherwise New Zealand can fight back from here as well.

[Vaskiy]

3 wickets for just 79 runs. Something went really wrong this time for the Newzealand side. Latham out for a duck and Young for just three runs. Nicholls and Mithchell have the ability to take them out of this situation. If these two also get out then Newzealand will be in deep trouble.

I was not expecting this performance from New Zealand bating line-up but very strong comeback by South African bowlers specially Rabada is pick of bowler but still very long way to go for them if they want to win this match and level this series currently Grandhomme is on counter-attack and he completely his fifty very quickly with the help of 7 fours and 2 sixes in just 39 balls.

Right now, both complete fifty of partnership also which is good for home team as they lost early five wickets very quickly but still trailing by 216 runs but if they want alive in this match and want to win this series these both need to stay at crease for some long time. Now, after winning first test by bowlers and poor batting from South African in second test, New Zealand struggling in batting and feeling shortage of their experienced campaigner Ross Taylor and captain Williamson.

It's stumps on day 2 and I'm actually surprised to see what has transpired in this match. New Zealand are 5 down for 157, they have played 45 overs. Grandhomme scored a 50 though. I would like to see them play really defensive right now and just stay at the pitch. If they don't get out they will score eventually. But things don't look so good as they are still trailing by 207 runs.

New Zealand have managed to withstand the situation with the performance of Colin de Grandhomme and daryl mitchell. If one of the wicket falls, South Africa will try to end the innings within 200. The interesting thing, Colin de Grandhomme have scored the 54 runs in 61 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. I think he's playing to make a better score before losing his wicket.

[eaLiTy]

~
New Zealand have managed to withstand the situation with the performance of Colin de Grandhomme and daryl mitchell. If one of the wicket falls, South Africa will try to end the innings within 200. The interesting thing, Colin de Grandhomme have scored the 54 runs in 61 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. I think he's playing to make a better score before losing his wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme is playing like he is playing a ODI with a higher strike rate and Daryl Mitchell is playing a good supporting role and now they have reduced the deficiency to less than 151 runs, i did not expect this performance in the 6th wicket but now they are counter attacking and South Africa has to come up with something to break this partnership, if not New Zealand will run away with this match.

[pakhitheboss]

~
New Zealand have managed to withstand the situation with the performance of Colin de Grandhomme and daryl mitchell. If one of the wicket falls, South Africa will try to end the innings within 200. The interesting thing, Colin de Grandhomme have scored the 54 runs in 61 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. I think he's playing to make a better score before losing his wicket.

Colin de Grandhomme is playing like he is playing a ODI with a higher strike rate and Daryl Mitchell is playing a good supporting role and now they have reduced the deficiency to less than 151 runs, i did not expect this performance in the 6th wicket but now they are counter attacking and South Africa has to come up with something to break this partnership, if not New Zealand will run away with this match.

South Africa leads by 105 runs but has lost two wickets already. I think they will add another 200 plus runs to the existing lead which will not be easy for the Newzealand side to chase. Grandhomme score 120 runs and because of him Newzealand were able to score 293 runs.

[Sithara007]

South Africa managed to take a lead of 71 runs in the first innings, but they are wobbling in the second. Right now they are at 40/3, for a total lead of 111 runs. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen are at the crease, and Tim Southee has picked up two wickets. Now a lot will depend on how the first-change bowlers (Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner) are able to support Southee and Henry. South Africa needs another 120-130 runs to win this match, and they should get to that total without too many hiccups. 

[coinism]

South Africa managed to take a lead of 71 runs in the first innings, but they are wobbling in the second. Right now they are at 40/3, for a total lead of 111 runs. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen are at the crease, and Tim Southee has picked up two wickets. Now a lot will depend on how the first-change bowlers (Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner) are able to support Southee and Henry. South Africa needs another 120-130 runs to win this match, and they should get to that total without too many hiccups. 

SA are now 104/4 and lead is now 175. 18 overs still left in 3rd day play. Temba Bavuma is still in the crease but Dussen is out. SA need give target of atleast 300 to win this test and stop NZ from winning first ever test series against them. NZ have depth in batting that's why despite losing 5 early wickets they manage to score 293 runs.

[kro55]

South Africa VS New zealand
South Africa had a good chance to win this match by dominating. But they missed the opportunity. Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell helped New Zealand score 293 runs. Which is a good enough collection. I thought New Zealand might lose all their wickets before 250.
After the third day, South Africa collected 140 runs, they lost 5 wickets. My guess is that they will lose all their wickets in the first session of the next day and collect around 200-220. South Africa cannot win if they give less than 300 targets. I am still optimistic about New Zealand's victory.

[blatchcorn]

South Africa VS New zealand
South Africa had a good chance to win this match by dominating. But they missed the opportunity. Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell helped New Zealand score 293 runs. Which is a good enough collection. I thought New Zealand might lose all their wickets before 250.
After the third day, South Africa collected 140 runs, they lost 5 wickets. My guess is that they will lose all their wickets in the first session of the next day and collect around 200-220. South Africa cannot win if they give less than 300 targets. I am still optimistic about New Zealand's victory.

South Africa had ideal start of the match but they failed to take advantage in second innings. At the end of day 3 South Afrcia had lead of 211 runs and 5 wickets left. Kyle Verreynne and Mulder are on the crease for a while now and they must try to give target of 350 to NZ. Anything under 300 will made NZ favorite for this game.

[pakhitheboss]

South Africa VS New zealand
South Africa had a good chance to win this match by dominating. But they missed the opportunity. Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell helped New Zealand score 293 runs. Which is a good enough collection. I thought New Zealand might lose all their wickets before 250.
After the third day, South Africa collected 140 runs, they lost 5 wickets. My guess is that they will lose all their wickets in the first session of the next day and collect around 200-220. South Africa cannot win if they give less than 300 targets. I am still optimistic about New Zealand's victory.

South Africa had ideal start of the match but they failed to take advantage in second innings. At the end of day 3 South Afrcia had lead of 211 runs and 5 wickets left. Kyle Verreynne and Mulder are on the crease for a while now and they must try to give target of 350 to NZ. Anything under 300 will made NZ favorite for this game.

I am sure the South African side are looking for a score above the 300 mark not 350. They have already lost 5 wickets which now makes it very difficult to reach 350, they already have a lead of 211 runs and as tail enders bat 300 will be target they would like to get on the score board. Newzealand team has made a good come back and thier aim would be to get the South African team out in the first session tomorrow.

[Swordsoffreedom]

South Africa VS New zealand
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South Africa had ideal start of the match but they failed to take advantage in second innings. At the end of day 3 South Afrcia had lead of 211 runs and 5 wickets left. Kyle Verreynne and Mulder are on the crease for a while now and they must try to give target of 350 to NZ. Anything under 300 will made NZ favorite for this game.

I am sure the South African side are looking for a score above the 300 mark not 350. They have already lost 5 wickets which now makes it very difficult to reach 350, they already have a lead of 211 runs and as tail enders bat 300 will be target they would like to get on the score board. Newzealand team has made a good come back and thier aim would be to get the South African team out in the first session tomorrow.

I actually think that 300 is not going to be enough to be in a safe spot for South Africa. They should at least give a target of 350. But then NewZealand might play for the draw. So a give and take situation here.

If South Africa tries to get a target of 350 I think they might lose wickets in that pressure of getting runs. I think they should try to get a target of more than 300 in the second session and put NewZealand to bat in the third session. Unless they get all out obviously.

[DanWalker]

It's stumps on day 2 and I'm actually surprised to see what has transpired in this match. New Zealand are 5 down for 157, they have played 45 overs. Grandhomme scored a 50 though. I would like to see them play really defensive right now and just stay at the pitch. If they don't get out they will score eventually. But things don't look so good as they are still trailing by 207 runs.

Colin de Grandhomme and Mitchell have rescued NZ as 5 wickets were gone for 91 runs. They both have a partnership of 66 runs. NZ can reach 364 or near to that if both of these players stayed on for two sessions of third day. Right now chances of winning the game are towards South Africa.

I think the chance of South Africa winning the game is reducing as time goes on because they have lost 5 wickets only for 140 runs. The fourth day is going to show us which direction the match is going to go.

South African comeback in this match is really shocking for me specially after losing very bad in first match and New Zealand batting collapse is also really surprised because they lost 5 wickets just for 91 and now an all-rounder and wicket keeper is on crease for some resistance which is good for home team but still as we all watching leading is massive so from here most chances South African will take some good lead, and they need some good batting in second inning for win and level of this series which is going to be great booster for them as right now they are having few young's and facing too much internal and off field issues regarding past and current management.
Now tomorrow first hour is going to be very crucial for both teams because if they take wickets then surely they will be on top otherwise New Zealand can fight back from here as well.

South Africa is already ahead with 211 runs at the end of the third day and I think ok this should push for the 350 mark. The start of the 4th day is going to be a pre- decider of the match in my opinion. If New Zealand can take wickets in the first session they have a good chance but if South Africa can score and take the target to 300 think

New Zealand have managed to withstand the situation with the performance of Colin de Grandhomme and daryl mitchell. If one of the wicket falls, South Africa will try to end the innings within 200. The interesting thing, Colin de Grandhomme have scored the 54 runs in 61 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. I think he's playing to make a better score before losing his wicket.

I think that New Zealand made a good comeback from the situation that they were in in the second test. From 91 for 5, they scored 293 for 10. If they can bowl out South Africa for cheap on the fourth day I think they have a chance of winning.

[galambo]

I am sure the South African side are looking for a score above the 300 mark not 350. They have already lost 5 wickets which now makes it very difficult to reach 350, they already have a lead of 211 runs and as tail enders bat 300 will be target they would like to get on the score board. Newzealand team has made a good come back and thier aim would be to get the South African team out in the first session tomorrow.

South Africa have 5 wickets in hand and they must finish there innings scoring 300 runs to give there bowlers some chance. I don't think 300 is a safe target for SA but still it's something that can be defended. NZ scored 293 because they lost 5 quick wickets in first innings. If top order clicked in second innings NZ may chase even 350.

[eaLiTy]

~
I think that New Zealand made a good comeback from the situation that they were in in the second test. From 91 for 5, they scored 293 for 10. If they can bowl out South Africa for cheap on the fourth day I think they have a chance of winning.

It was a good recovery, 133 runs for the 6th wicket by Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme is the reason they are right back in this match. South Africa is leading by 211 runs and they still have 5 wickets in hand and they need one solid partnership to be in a safe position if not New Zealand will bounce back and will win the match as there is plenty of time left for this match.

[romero121]

~
I think that New Zealand made a good comeback from the situation that they were in in the second test. From 91 for 5, they scored 293 for 10. If they can bowl out South Africa for cheap on the fourth day I think they have a chance of winning.

It was a good recovery, 133 runs for the 6th wicket by Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme is the reason they are right back in this match. South Africa is leading by 211 runs and they still have 5 wickets in hand and they need one solid partnership to be in a safe position if not New Zealand will bounce back and will win the match as there is plenty of time left for this match.

New Zealand have made a big come back that no one expected. South Africa leading with 211 runs and five wickets left. Last two days there'll be big changes in the pitch. So that South Africa could reach a maximum of 300-325 runs by day 4. It is New Zealand to make a win or end the match with a draw. New Zealand can't expect the same thing as the first innings, because the pitch conditions vary. Mostly New Zealand will try to draw the match whereas South Africa will try to make a win.

[lixer]

I am sure the South African side are looking for a score above the 300 mark not 350. They have already lost 5 wickets which now makes it very difficult to reach 350, they already have a lead of 211 runs and as tail enders bat 300 will be target they would like to get on the score board. Newzealand team has made a good come back and thier aim would be to get the South African team out in the first session tomorrow.

South Africa have 5 wickets in hand and they must finish there innings scoring 300 runs to give there bowlers some chance. I don't think 300 is a safe target for SA but still it's something that can be defended. NZ scored 293 because they lost 5 quick wickets in first innings. If top order clicked in second innings NZ may chase even 350.

This is real beauty of test cricket first day match dominant by South African and then second day last session it's all about New Zealand with the help of big Grandhomme what an inning his partnership with Daryl Mitchell bring back home team in this match and now in second inning Southee and Wagner doing remaining damage but still a healthy lead of 211 is taken by South Africa if they have 100+ then surely they are going to dominant in this match otherwise New Zealand batting can do some good in last inning and win which could be first series win for them against South Africa which could be double enjoyment for them after winning WTC final against India in last year.

[eaLiTy]

~
New Zealand have made a big come back that no one expected. South Africa leading with 211 runs and five wickets left. Last two days there'll be big changes in the pitch. So that South Africa could reach a maximum of 300-325 runs by day 4. It is New Zealand to make a win or end the match with a draw. New Zealand can't expect the same thing as the first innings, because the pitch conditions vary. Mostly New Zealand will try to draw the match whereas South Africa will try to make a win.

If South Africa can extend the lead above 300 runs then it is a safe bet, if not New Zealand will look for chasing down the total if the target is below 250 runs. South Africa already lost their top order batsman and it is difficult for them to bat the entire day, if so New Zealand will go for the win and take a substantial lead in the series rather than looking for a draw.

[7788bitcoin]

~
South Africa had ideal start of the match but they failed to take advantage in second innings. At the end of day 3 South Afrcia had lead of 211 runs and 5 wickets left. Kyle Verreynne and Mulder are on the crease for a while now and they must try to give target of 350 to NZ. Anything under 300 will made NZ favorite for this game.

South Africa is getting back in the match with Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder building a good partnership and now the lead is 276 runs and Kyle Verreynne is still in the crease and looks like they will have a lead of over 325 runs and it is interesting to see how New Zealand is going to approach this game, whether they will look for the win or look for a draw because it is not easy to bat in the final day even if you plan to defend with uneven bounce.

[Sithara007]

Disappointing from New Zealand. They need 426 to win and already they are down to 13/2. Their pace bowlers are being regarded as the best in the world. Even without Trent Boult, they routed South Africa in the first test. But all of a sudden, this famed pace bowling battery was undone by Sarel Erwee and Kyle Verreynne. Kyle Jamieson in particular was disappointing. Kagiso Rabada managed 47 in the second innings and Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen got to 30s in the first, and that tells a lot about the ineffectiveness of the Kiwi bowlers.