The Black Caps celebrate taking a wicket in the first cricket test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Black Caps have beaten South Africa in the first cricket test in Mount Maunganui by 281 runs.
New Zealand wrapped up the match late on day four in Tauranga, after South Africa managed to frustrate the Kiwis for much of the day.
South Africa were 62 for two in their second innings at lunch as they chased a mammoth 529 for victory.
A stubborn partnership between David Bedingham - who fell short of a century with 87 runs - and Keegan Petersen - who scored 16 runs in 63 balls - offered some resistance for the Proteas.
But when both fell in quick succession, it was only a matter of time before New Zealand claimed victory.
Just as the pair had reached their century partnership, Kyle Jamieson struck with the second of his four-wicket haul.
Mitch Santner mopped up the tail, claiming the last three wickets as South Africa were all out for 247.
New Zealands' Mitch Santner appeals successfully for a LBW decision to dismiss South Africa's Tshepo Moreki on day four of the first cricket test against South Africa. Photo: photosport
Among the wickets was the bizarre dismissal of Clyde Fortuin, who swept Glenn Phillips straight into the shin of Tom Latham, with the ball popping up in the air for an easy catch for Tom Blundell.
Santner and Jamieson finished with match figures of 6/93 and 6/94 respectively, while Rachin Ravindra was awarded man of the match for his 240 in the first innings while also taking 2/16 with the ball.
The Black Caps declared this morning on their overnight total of 179/4 in their second innings, giving South Africa two days to chase down the target.
New Zealand posted 511 in their first innings with Ravindra's double century and a century to Kane Williamson.
Williamson backed that up with another century in the second innings to take his tally to 31 centuries in 97 tests.
South Africa could only muster 162 in their first innings, with Matt Henry and Santner taking three wickets each.
Pace bowlers Tim Southee and Matt Henry have taken a wicket each today as the Black Caps seek to go 1-0 up in the two-test series.
Glenn Phillips. Photo: photosport
New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in a test series but have a golden opportunity to do so when the second test starts in Hamilton on Tuesday and captain Tim Southee said they would take nothing for granted.
"We know that any South African team is going to fight, they are very passionate people, and we knew that they were going to be up for it over this test match."
The Proteas sent a severely weakened squad featuring eight uncapped players to New Zealand for the series as Cricket South Africa prioritised their financially lucrative Twenty20 competition.
Stand-in captain Neil Brand couldn't hide his disappointment and was left to lament dropped catches on day one that handed lives to Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson before both went on to reach three figures.
"It's very deflating," said the 27-year-old, who took eight wickets in his first test.
"I felt day one, we were in the game there and if you take those two chances, you never know what will happen. But yeah, completely outplayed by a very good New Zealand team."
Southee praised Ravindra, who was named man of the match for his mammoth 240 in the first innings.
"Rachin we've seen over the last six months or so is a special talent and he showed in this test match what he's capable of. I'm sure he's got a bright future."
- RNZ