New Zealand vs South Africa second Test: Tips and suggested bets

James Richardson
12 February 2024

New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson, centre, is congratulated by teammate's Matt Henry, and Tim Southee, right, following the wicket of South Africa's David Bedingham on day four of the first cricket

The second Test between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton begins on Tuesday morning (Mon 2200 GMT) and the Planet Sport has a handful of top tips for the final match of the series.

New Zealand will be expected to cruise to victory over South Africa when they face off in the second Test of a two-match series.

The Black Caps trounced the Proteas the first time out with the tourists missing chances in the field and seeing the hosts put up a huge first innings score.

South Africa were the last team to beat New Zealand in a Test match at Seddon Park in Hamilton with that win coming back in 2012. Since then Hamilton has proven a happy hunting ground for the hosts.

New Zealand have never won a Test series against South Africa, home or away and stands on the brink of making history even if the Proteas have brought a severely under-strength team.

New Zealand vs South Africa: Suggested bets

New Zealand are clearly on course to win this match and South Africa would need a minor miracle just to be even vaguely competitive which leaves the punter few options when it comes to outright result.

After Kane Williamson's first Test masterclass, the great Kiwi batter will be expected to produce even more and power the Black Caps to a historic win over one of their greatest rivals.

Rachin Ravindra is also another home batter who could be a danger and someone who might top the scoring.

For South Africa batting has been a struggle and only David Bedingham brought up 50 in the series opening match. Bedingham's positive approach is repeatable and he is once again likely to be the leading light for the tourists.

South Africa's frontline seamers were abject in the series opener and failed to put the hosts under any real pressure at all.

Given the nature of the pitch in Hamilton they might get more assistance but would have to bowl much better to trouble any of New Zealand's top order.

For New Zealand Matt Henry looks to be the major danger to the visitors top order and the man who did the initial damage in the first Test. With more grass on this wicket, Henry will be even more dangerous.