New Zealand registered a massive 281-run win on Day 4 of the first Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.
The Kiwis declared overnight in their second innings and set the Proteas an improbable target of 529 to chase down in two days. The inexperienced South African side had their backs against the wall and things went from bad to worse when they lost both their openers inside the first four overs in overcast conditions.
Raynard van Tonder (31 off 83 balls) and Zubayr Hamza (36 off 92 balls) stitched a 63-run partnership but both of them departed in quick succession, as the visitors slumped to 73/4. David Bedingham, who made his international debut during the Test series against India, played a fine counterattacking innings to give South African supporters something to cheer for. The stylish right-handed batter scored 87 runs off just 96 balls, hitting 13 fours and three sixes. His knock came to an end in the 57th over of the day, when Kyle Jamieson sent him packing.
After Bedingham’s dismissal, the rest of the South African side couldn’t last long, as they were bowled out for 247 in 80 overs. Ruan de Swardt, who came out to bat at No. 7, remained unbeaten on 34 off 56 balls. On the bowling front, Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers, as he finished with excellent figures of 4/58. Mitchell Santner picked up three wickets, to add to the three he bagged in the first innings. Meanwhile, Blackcaps skipper Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Glenn Phillips chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Young Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance in the first Test of the series. He scored a remarkable double-century in the first innings and also took a couple of wickets.
Here’s how fans reacted to New Zealand’s resounding win over South Africa:
New Zealand beat South Africa by 281 runs in the 1st Test
New Zealand 511 & 179/4 declared
Proteas 162 & 247
#NZvSATarget was 529.
— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) February 7, 2024
New Zealand won 1st Test by 281 Runs and lead Test Series 1-0. Magnificent Knock Kane Williamson (118 & 109) and Rachin Ravindra 240. Fantastic spell Kyle Jamieson (2/35 & 4/58) and @MitchellSantner (3/34 & 3/59).#NZvSA
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) February 7, 2024
New Zealand smashed South Africa to win by 281 runs & take an unassailable lead by 1-0 .
Williamson (118 & 109), Rachin (240 & 12), Jamieson (2/35 & 4/58), Santner ( 3/34 & 3/59) were outstanding in the match. #NZvSA
— Sharat Chandra Bhatt (@imsbhatt0707) February 7, 2024
New Zealand bowl South Africa out for 247 to win the first Test by 281 runs at Bay Oval. South Africa’s lack of Test match experience showed against a team loaded with international experience! #NZvSA
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) February 7, 2024
NEW ZEALAND DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA BY 281 RUNS IN THE 1ST TEST…!!!! 🇳🇿#NZvSA
— Shivam (@imshivam94) February 7, 2024
Santner finishes it off and SA bowled out for 247
NZ thrash SA by 281 runs and go 1-0 up
Not many positives for SA, but Ruan de Swardt is definitely one of them! #NZvSA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 7, 2024
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