NZ vs SA: Will O'Rourke Takes Best Figures In Match On Test Debut For New Zealand

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Will O'Rourke on Thursday (February 15) created history as the pacer went to claim the best fiugures in a match on Test debut for New Zealand during the second Test against South Africa at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Test debutant O'Rourke, who had claimed four-wicket haul in the first innings, took a five-wicket haul in the second to end with figures of 9 for 93, surpassing the previous best of 8 for 188 by Mark Craig in 2014 against West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.

In the first innings, O'Rourke dismissed South Africa skipper Neil Brand leg before the wicket before cleaning up Ruan de Swardt and Shaun von Berg, and finally forcing Dane Paterson to toe-edge one to Tom Latham at second slip.

In the second innings, the 22-year-old, who had made his ODI debut late last year, removed number three Raynard van Tonder before he got the opposition Brand again, caught behind followed by the wicket of centurion David Bedingham.

The right-arm quick then did the clean up act as he removed Paterson and Shaun von Berg in the same over to skittle South Africa for 235, leaving New Zealand a 267 traget to chase.

In response, the Blackcaps reached 40/1 at stumps, losing opener Devon Conway for 17. Latham remained unbeaten on 21 with New Zealand still needing 227 to win in the final two days of the Hamilton Test.

Although O'Rourke claimed the best figures in a match by a New Zealander, he finished long way off the best figures on a Test debut, which is still held by former India spinner Narendra Hirwani, who finished with figures of 16 for 136 against West Indies in Chennai in 1988.

Earlier, opting to bat first, De Swardt's 64 and his 77-run stand with Von Berg (38) rescued South Africa from a spot of bother to a total above 200, with the Proteas finishing at 242 all out.

The visitors, however, put the match in the balance as Dane Piedt's five-wicket haul bundled out the hosts for 211, ensuring a slender 31-run lead for South Africa, who were then bowled out for 235, setting a target of 267 for New Zealand.