New Zealand hand South Africa embarrassing innings defeat in first Test

Tom Naghten

New Zealand hand South Africa embarrassing innings defeat in first Test image

South Africa have been handed their second-biggest defeat in Test match history, going down by an innings and 276 runs in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.

The Proteas barely improved on their first innings score of 95, making 111 in their second dig, either side of the Black Caps notching a total of 482.

All told, the Test was wrapped up inside two days and a slightly extended first session on day three.

Temba Bavuma (41) and wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne (30) offered some resistance in the second innings but South Africa never looked likely to make the hosts bat again.

Tim Southee did most of the damage in the second innings, taking 5/35, while player-of-the-match Matt Henry pitched in with two wickets to go with his brilliant 7/23 in the first innings.

Making it all the more impressive, New Zealand's talismanic skipper Kane Williamson is sidelined with an elbow injury, leaving Tom Latham to take charge of the side.

"It's a fantastic performance. Winning the toss was a big part of it. It's probably the perfect performance," Latham said post-match.

"We are used to these conditions. We put their bowlers under pressure and scored at four-an-over. And we kept putting partnerships together. Matt Henry hasn't played a lot of Test cricket [but he] put the ball in the same area for long periods to get the results.

"We know how good South Africa are. We expect them to be at their best next game. Our focus is coming out and winning the next Test match."

Southee's second-innings five-for took him past Sir Richard Hadlee as the highest Test wicket taker in New Zealand.

 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.