58* and 7/23 - Matt Henry Enters a Unique List of Legends In Christchurch Test vs South Africa

Matt Henry is having the time of his life in the Christchurch Test against South Africa. After having taken a record 7/23 on day 1, Matt Henry followed up with a magnificent 58* batting at No.11. He shared a 94-run stand for the final wicket with Tom Blundell as New Zealand piled on the agony against the Proteas. Earlier in the day, Henry Nicholls smashed his eighth Test century and second against South Africa as New Zealand were bowled out for 482. Tom Blundell could have had his century too. But, on 96, he edged Marco Jansen and South Africa got their decision thanks to the review.

But, Matt Henry and Blundell’s stand of 94 has almost put the game out of South Africa’s reach. For Henry, this was the first time that he had scored a century batting at the No.11 position. However, Henry joined a unique list of individuals who have taken seven wickets and scored a fifty in Test cricket. Matt Henry became the second No.11 player in New Zealand Test history since Richard Collinge hit 68 against Pakistan in Auckland 1973.

Read – Matt Henry Decimates Proteas with 7/23 on day 1

But, it was Matt Henry’s all-round skills that ensured New Zealand continued to hold the upper hand against South Africa.

Matt Henry Stuns South Africa, puts New Zealand on top

Matt Henry became the 18^th player in the history of Test cricket to hit a fifty and take seven wickets in an innings. In many ways, this effort might break New Zealand’s 18-year pain of not having won a Test against South Africa. The earlier efforts by Nicholls and Neil Wagner at the start of the day already put South Africa on the backfoot. Wagner smashed seven fours and two sixes but was unlucky to miss out on his fifty. Blundell and de Grandhomme took the lead past 250 as the South Africa bowlers tired.

But, it was the partnership between Henry and Blundell that totally deflated South Africa. Here is the list of players whom Henry has matched in his effort in Christchurch on Friday.

South Africa Totter Against New Zealand

The Proteas are already on the back foot, having been shot out for 95 thanks to Henry’s 7/23. The score is already the lowest that South Africa has been bowled out for in their contests against New Zealand. South Africa is without their best batsman Keegan Petersen who was the key difference-maker in the series against India.

New Zealand are without Kane Williamson and Trent Boult. Williamson continues his rehab from an elbow injury while Boult is expecting the birth of his child. The second Test will also be played at the Hagley Oval from February 25.