South Africa vs New Zealand 2017: 3rd Test, Day 4, 5 Talking Points

Modified Mar 28, 2017 12:18 IST

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 26: Captain Faf du Plessis of South Africa bats during day two of the Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Seddon Park on March 26, 2017 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images) — Much of South Africa's hopes on day 5 will rest on their skipper

#2 Jeetan Patel has South Africa in a mess

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 28: Jeetan Patel of New Zealand is congratulated on taking the wicket of Hashim Amla of South Africa during day four of the Test match between New Zealand and South Africa at Seddon Park on March 28, 2017 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images) — Jeetan Patel struck twice to bury South Africa's hopes

South Africa were trailing by 175 runs when they came out to bat a second time. A tricky period in the final session was left to be conquered but New Zealand made it tough for their batsmen by nipping out Elgar and Theunis de Bruyn early.

Patel then entered the attack and had Amla caught at slip courtesy some extra bounce. The offie then removed JP Duminy, who shouldered arms to a delivery that drifted in and went with the angle.

Suddenly South Africa were 50/4 and Patel had put the Kiwis in the driving seat. The off-spinner had been rather subdued apart from his spells against de Kock, but the twin wickets today has given him a new lease of life in the Test side.