David Bedingham hits ton as South Africa hand New Zealand tricky run chase

On Thursday, at Hamilton's Seddon Park, David Bedingham (29) achieved his first-ever test century, setting a challenging target of 267 for New Zealand on a challenging pitch during the third day of the second and final test match.

Bedingham's impressive knock of 110 runs, including a crucial 98-run partnership with Keegan Petersen, propelled the inexperienced Proteas to a total of 235 all out. This gives them a fighting chance of leveling the series at 1-1.

In the final hour of the day, the New Zealand openers managed to chip away at the target, adding 40 runs. However, Devon Conway was dismissed lbw for 17 by spinner Dane Piedt in the last over of the day.

As the Black Caps aim to secure their first series win over South Africa in 72 years of trying, Tom Latham, the fellow opener, will resume on 21 not out on Friday. They require 227 more runs to achieve this milestone.

Despite being the least experienced player in the New Zealand team, debutant paceman Will O'Rourke took an impressive five wickets for 34 runs. His performance contributed to the Proteas losing their last six wickets for just 33 runs. However, it was Bedingham who stole the limelight on this day.

Reflecting on his innings, Bedingham expressed his excitement, stating, "Obviously really cool. I hope this innings can win us this test and draw the series. (Getting) Conway probably puts us even, but I think (our bowlers) have the potential to take nine more wickets."

Bedingham had previously made his test debut in the series against India, but he was one of only two players to be included in the New Zealand tour. Cricket South Africa chose to prioritize their top talent for the SA20 tournament.

After suffering a heavy defeat of 281 runs in the first test, South Africa displayed excellent bowling skills on Wednesday, taking a first-innings lead of 31 runs. However, New Zealand managed to put them under pressure, reducing them to 88-3 at lunch.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra continued Clyde Fortuin's poor run with the bat, while O'Rourke reaped the rewards of his fine bowling by dismissing Raynard van Tonder and skipper Neil Brand (34).

Following the break, veteran seamer Neil Wagner, who was born in South Africa, made an immediate impact with his trademark short ball. Zubayr Hamza (17) fell victim to this delivery, pulling it straight to Will Young at deep square leg.

Petersen was dismissed for 43 runs due to an exceptional diving catch by Glenn Phillips off the bowling of Matt Henry. However, Bedingham refused to be denied his remarkable century and achieved the milestone by scoring two runs from the 127th ball he faced.

Phillips then took charge, dismissing Ruan de Swardt and Piedt cheaply with his right-arm spin. He also showcased his fielding skills by taking another impressive catch at gully, ultimately sending Bedingham back to the pavilion and giving O'Rourke his fourth wicket.

O'Rourke completed the dismantling of the opposition's lower order by getting Dane Paterson caught behind, securing his first-ever five-wicket haul in test cricket and taking his total wickets in the match to 9-93.

"It was a truly special day," expressed O'Rourke. "I believe we are feeling quite confident. Although they batted well in the middle, we persevered and managed to wrap up the innings swiftly in the end."