Philander Stars Again As South Africa Dominate

Philander Stars Again As South Africa Dominate

Brendon McCullum (foreground) departs and South Africa celebrate on a day that belonged to them in Wellington

©REUTERS / Action Images

South Africa 474-9 dec. (Petersen 156, Duminy 103) & 75-0 v
New Zealand 275 (Guptill 59, Philander 6-81)
Third Test, Wellington, day four
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three

Vernon Philander picked up sixth Test five-wicket haul in just his seventh Test as South Africa dominated day four of the third and final game against New Zealand in Wellington.

Philander's haul of six for 81 bowled New Zealand out for 275 and having narrowly avoided the follow-on, they found the going equally tough in the field as South Africa closed on 75 without loss.

Martin Guptill stood firm at the top of the order to make 59 and opening partner Daniel Flynn made 45 before a number of batsmen made starts but were unable to go on, checked by excellent South African bowling.

Brendon McCullum (31), Kane Williamson (39) and Daniel Vettori (30) just about did enough to save the follow-on before Philander's spell with the second new ball shaped the day.

Having already dispensed with the openers after a partnership worth 86, he dismissed Dean Brownlie for 29, Vettori, Doug Bracewell (0) and Mark Gillespie (10).

There was a brace of wickets for Dale Steyn and one for Marchant de Lange.

Batting again, South African openers Alviro Petersen (38 not out) and Graeme Smith (34 not out) eased to a half-century partnership and a lead of 274 going into the final day.

Petersen stroked a career-best 156 and JP Duminy 103 in South Africa's first innings of 474 for nine declared. They lead the series 1-0.

© Cricket World 2012