On Wednesday Ferbruary 7th, South Africa faced an uphill battle as they fought to avoid defeat against hosts New Zealand in the first Test match. Despite a challenging start, they showed resilience, reaching 62-2 by the end of the day's play.

The South African team, which included six debutants, struggled against New Zealand's bowling attack during the morning session. However, batsmen Zubayr Hamza and Raynard van Tonder showed determination at the crease, with Hamza scoring 31 runs and van Tonder remaining unbeaten on 26 runs.

New Zealand maintained their dominant position, having declared their second innings closed at 179-4, setting South Africa a daunting target of 529 runs to win in two full days of play.

Facing a pitch offering considerable turn, Hamza and van Tonder displayed commendable concentration, forming an unbroken partnership of 57 runs after the early dismissals of debut openers Neil Brand and Edward Moore.

Brand fell victim to a late inswinger from New Zealand captain Tim Southee, while Moore's dismissal followed shortly after, driving a delivery from Matt Henry straight to cover.

Despite a challenging start to his international career, van Tonder showcased resilience, having scored a two-ball duck in the first innings. Hamza, making his first Test appearance in two years, also stood firm, facing 78 deliveries without offering a clear chance.