Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne struck a century on day four of the second Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday.
Verreynne’s 136 not out guided South Africa’s second innings to 354 for nine declared.
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The tourists require six wickets for victory, after New Zealand’s second innings slipped to 94 for four. The hosts require 332 more runs to win.
The 24-year-old Verreynne spent almost five hours at the crease for this century. He collected 16 fours and a six and faced 187 deliveries – and shared key partnerships with lower-order batsmen Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj.
“Obviously getting a century is special, but more importantly it was the value that added to the team,” said Verreynne.
“I think me being there allowed Kagiso and Keshav to sort of come in and play freely and I think the runs that they added at the back end there were really crucial.”
His previous Test best was 30 against the same opposition earlier this month.
Monday’s century marked the highest score by a South African number six batsman, in a Test away from home, since the 129 the late Tuppy Owen-Smith hit against England at Headingley in 1929.
Verreynne went to Wynberg Boys’ High School – and represents Western Province and Cape Town Cricket Club at provincial and club level, respectively.