The third day of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a remarkable performance by the home team, putting them in a commanding position for a rare Test win over Australia.
New Zealand’s bowling brilliance
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Matt Henry, showcased their prowess by rattling the Australian top order. Henry, continuing his impressive form from the first innings, claimed crucial wickets, including that of Steve Smith, to put Australia on the back foot.
Debutant Ben Sears made an immediate impact, grabbing a wicket in his second over and providing crucial breakthroughs for New Zealand. His dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne further dented Australia’s hopes of a successful chase.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh provide resistance
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh displayed resilience in the face of New Zealand’s bowling onslaught, stitching together a crucial partnership to steady the Australian innings. Their unbeaten stand of 43 runs offered a glimmer of hope for Australia amidst the collapse.
New Zealand’s batting brilliance
Earlier in the day, New Zealand’s batsmen put on a splendid display, with Rachin Ravindra (82) and Daryl Mitchell (58) leading the charge. Their century partnership bolstered New Zealand’s lead, setting up a daunting target for Australia.
Scott Kuggeleijn‘s brisk innings towards the end added valuable runs to New Zealand’s total, further strengthening their grip on the match.
Historic opportunity beckons for New Zealand
With New Zealand on the brink of a historic victory, the Black Caps have a golden opportunity to end their 31-year test drought against Australia at home. A memorable win beckons for the home team if they can maintain their dominance on the final day of the Test match.
Also WATCH: NZ vs AUS – Glenn Phillips grabs ‘catch of the match’ to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne in Christchurch Test
Here is how Twitter reacted:
New Zealand big chance to win this Test match.
Matt Henry and Ben Sears each took two wickets on day 3 in final season.
New Zealand needed six wickets, Australia needed 202 runs to win the match.
See you tomorrow this match result.
Hopefully Kiwis win this game#NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/U78J6JGawO
— 𝐾𝑖𝑤𝑖𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑁𝑠 🇳🇿 (@NZcricketfans) March 10, 2024
What a fantastic day of Test cricket in Christchurch. In for a blockbuster ending tomorrow. Hope the Kiwis pull it off. #NZvAUS
— Sanket D. Patil (@sankulyaa) March 10, 2024
Razzle Dazzle Mornings from the Kiwi Land!🤩#NZvAUS #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/xgkuJV5Sit
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 10, 2024
An exciting day awaits in Christchurch: #cricket #NZvAUS #Tests #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/bT6cPXuQyi
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 10, 2024
New Zealand are on top at the end of Third Day! ❤️🔥
Australia needs Marsh and Head to stay tall tomorrow! They need a partnership to chase down the total 😊#CricketTwitter #Australia #NewZealand #NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/VVUEFg0GGq
— Sibtain Raza (@I_am_Sibtain) March 10, 2024
I think Australia had just a hiccup. Travia Head and Mitch March will take them home I guess #NZvAUS
— Maulik Vadariya (@MaulikVadariya) March 10, 2024
Matt Henry great spell 7 wicket at home against Australia series.#NZvAUS pic.twitter.com/7YzRoxqnWR
— Malik Hammad (@Hammad_Iqbal786) March 10, 2024
If New Zealand somehow pull this off now, Australia will end up losing two Tests against West Indies & New Zealand in span of six weeks!
They lost as many Tests against the two opponents in the first 23 years of this century. #NZvAUS #NZvsAUS #NewZealand #Australia #WTC25… pic.twitter.com/LrLMG4G9i4
— Sibtain Raza (@I_am_Sibtain) March 10, 2024
Aussies steady late with an unbroken 43 run partnership between Head and Marsh. Still a lot of work to do, but it’s looking a lot better than it did when the fourth wicket fell. #NZVAus
— Rory Burnside (@RoryBurnside) March 10, 2024
I’d have liked one more before stumps. Hope NZ believe and bowl well. There’s a chance #NZvAUS
— Everybody Wang Chung Tonight !🇳🇴🇮🇸🇬🇩 (@Yes_IamSancho) March 10, 2024
Marsh and Head have got some job to do tomorrow#NZvAUS #ChristchurchTest
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) March 10, 2024