Thomas and Kruger restrict New Zealand A

South Africa A 2 for 0 trail New Zealand A 226 (Wiseman 52, Thomas 4-50, Kruger 4-54) by 224 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Alfonso Thomas and Garnett Kruger, both medium-pacers, snapped up four wickets apiece as South Africa A restrcted New Zealand A to 226 on the first day of their four-day game at Benoni. The New Zealanders could have been in a deeper hole had the South Africans not dropped six catches in the slip cordon.

Matthew Bell, the New Zealand A captain, won the toss and surprisingly decided to bat first, on a green top, in the second match of the tour. On a morning where the bowlers ruled with swing, movement and bounce, the New Zealanders found the going tough and went into lunch at 69 for 3, with just 21 scoring shots in 27 overs. After Bell had fallen early, Matthew Sinclair stroked seven boundaries in his 28 while Jamie How spent nearly two hours for his 27.

The 50-run stand between Lou Vincent and Peter Fulton gave the innings some impetus but the loss of Vincent (36), James Franklin (0) and Gareth Hopkins (2) left the New Zealanders reeling at 129 for 6.

Fulton, who has had a good tour so far, and Paul Wiseman then put together a solid partnership before Fulton pushed forward at a slower ball from Thomas to be easily caught in the covers. He made 47.

Wiseman took advantage of some short bowling from the medium-pacers and helped himself to 52, including a towering six into the midwicket stand. A lazy shot outside off cost him his wicket as he hung the bat out for the edge.

Kerry Walmsey and Richard Sherlock nearly batted out the last ten overs, but Kruger wrapped up the innings with the new ball. He finished with 4 for 54 but may have overdone the short ball at times. The pick of the bowlers was Thomas with his 4 for 50, and he was unlucky to have two catches put down in the slips.