South Africa vs New Zealand 3rd Test Match

[Andy Mellon]

I love your positivity Django! Its refreshing to see such optimism, as I'm more used to English fans who are usually pessimistic

Still, I hope you are right about this one. NZ have the bowlers to exploit the conditions, but they really need to get into the Saffers at the start of the day where the real movement is. Can the Kiwis bat through tomorrow and go at South Africa on the morning of day 4? Unlikely. I've heard it suggested that Fleming declare and go at the Saffers first thing tomorrow. A very risky strategy, but it might work. Just ain't gonna happen.

Come on Kiwis!

[Django]

South Africa are chasing 217 for victory - a highly improbable target given the pitch conditions and the ability of NZ bowlers. I believe NZ will win this match very comfortably by the end of third day.

[sittingduck]

I wouldn't be quite that confident but I'm not too worried either. Should be a very interesting 4th innings.

NZ have to get early wickets.

[Vrock]

Well the New Zealand bowlers haven't struck so far, with the ball seaming around the South African openers are combatting it pretty well.

South Africa are nearly one quarter of the way to their target! With all 10 wickets in hand

I think that once the first wicket falls, we could see some tumble for very low scores, Kallis it would seem will be the important wicket.

[Django]

Although South Africa have started the run chase quite well, I still back NZ to win the match comfortably. As Vrock has pointed out and as it happened in the South African first innings, one wicket can change the complexion of the game. I am convinced one wicket is all that Martin & co need to run through the South African batting.

[Vrock]

We will have to see whether your theory of South being polished off will stand true, but I think that the South Africa's batsmen have the ability to defend and block out, but will they even need to do defend for their lives? So far the run rate is looking very healthy and if that continues, then things will only get easier for South Africa.

[sittingduck]

Bowlers need to pitch the ball up more, they're guilty of dropping short too often. Vary wayward in the first half hour especially. Still haven't written the kiwis off but it's not looking good. I know the pitch is a shocker but Kallis is solid and Amla is in good form.

[Vrock]

And the first one falls, Dippenaar gone to leave South Africa 148 runs to win with nine wickets left.

[John]

Alma gone but SA in the box seat. Its been a difficult season but if we win here it will be a good ending.

[Vrock]

159-3...Kallis and Prince are sticking it out and only 58 runs to win now. Another fluent boundary from Kallis reduces the required runs to 54. South Africa are on the home straight now.