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Saturday, 24 March 2012

Kiwi Rain Ruins Petersen Century


Alviro Petersen closed in on a century as rain ruined the second day of the final Test between New Zealand and South Africa in Wellington.

Petersen, searching his third Test ton, reached the close on 96 not out on a day when less than 40 overs play was possible.

Rain denied the touring batsman a chance to add to their 136-2 during the morning session, with the sparse crowd at Basin Reserve spending time looking for cover.

Play eventually got underway after 2pm and Petersen secured his half-century with a boundary in the third over.

Third wicket partner JP Duminy (76no) was the more attacking player, going to his fourth Test 50 off 80 balls as their stand built nicely.

Petersen sped up as the day went on, giving only one chance when as an edge off Doug Bracewell flashed just past Martin Guptill in the slips.

But he remained in place when bad light brought a premature end to play, his innings so far having included 12 fours and a six - he has faced 224 balls.