New Zealand crush South Africa by an innings & 276 runs to win first Test
New Zealand claimed a rare victory over South Africa on Saturday, wrapping up the first Test by a comprehensive innings and 276 runs in just seven sessions in Christchurch.
An outstanding all round performance from New Zealand 🇳🇿 @BLACKCAPS win by an innings and 276 runs 👏
Watch the highlights and replay on-demand on Spark Sport ⭕#SparkSport #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/LyIc0IyovK
— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) February 19, 2022
It is only the fifth time in 46 Tests since 1932 that New Zealand have beaten South Africa with their last victory coming in 2004.
Hear from skipper @Tomlatham2 after the team's victory by an innings and 276 runs at Hagley Oval with Mark Richardson on @sparknzsport. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/0wxS6SLR8m
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2022
“It’s a great day,” an elated captain Tom Latham said.
South Africa, who were 387 behind on the first innings, resumed the day at 34 for three and showed little appetite to chase down the total, losing their final seven wickets before lunch to be all out for 111.
Tim Southee is now the highest wicket taker in New Zealand 🇳🇿 with 202 ⚡️ going past Sir Richard Hadlee.#SparkSport #NZvSA@BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/wMhzHt8PNC
— Spark Sport (@sparknzsport) February 19, 2022
Latham said winning the toss and putting South Africa in to bat was critical for New Zealand’s success.
Delivering the perfect start to Day 3! @Matthenry014 with our @ANZ_NZ Play of the Day at Hagley Oval. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/n4ojSRjX7t
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2022
The tourists crumbled in their first innings for 95 on a green wicket with Matt Henry bagging seven for 23.
Who else but @Matthenry014! Your @ANZ_NZ Player of the Match at Hagley Oval in the first ANZ Test against South Africa. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/jBIDuB8Gba
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2022
A century by Henry Nicholls and a string of 50-plus partnerships saw New Zealand amass 482 in reply and the writing was on the wall for South Africa.
New Zealand claim 12 crucial points! 🙌
Here's how the #WTC23 table is taking shape after the first Test between South Africa and New Zealand 👇 pic.twitter.com/gflVpzMdpT
— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2022