The Hindu : Oram reaches maiden century

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 14, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Oram reaches maiden century

Jacob Oram acknowledges the crowd after scoring his century. — AP

South Africa 459 & 134 for 3

New Zealand 509

HAMILTON MARCH 13. Jacob Oram batted five hours on a crater-filled pitch for a maiden century as the first cricket Test between New Zealand and South Africa headed towards a draw after its fourth day on Saturday.

Oram was left 119 not out, the holder of two fresh partnership records, as New Zealand amassed 509 in its first innings, surpassing South Africa's 459.

The total, increased from 361 for seven overnight, was New Zealand's highest in a Test match against South Africa, surpassing a mark of 505, which stood for 50 years.

South Africa lost two wickets before it erased the 50-run first-innings deficit, lost another in the last hour and was 134 for three at stumps, 84 ahead with seven wickets standing.

Weighted heavily by the events of the day, the scale of the match tipped in New Zealand's favour. But it seems unlikely with only 90 overs remaining and a crumbling pitch that either side can win.

South Africa would have to collapse spectacularly to offer New Zealand the chance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series — or score quickly to force a run chase on the last day.

With Jacques Kallis at the crease, 56 not out overnight a South African collapse seems improbable.

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