Black Caps seamer Kyle Jamieson claimed four wickets to guide New Zealand to a 281-run victory over South Africa in the first Test s at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The tourists’ tenacious resistance concluded with their removal for 247 at Mount Maunganui, giving the Black Caps their second-largest Test victory by runs.
New Zealand is one step closer to winning their first series against South Africa after 17 previous failed tries dating back to 1931.
Given their troubles at Bay Oval, the very inexperienced Proteas will require a spectacular comeback to win the second and final Test, which begins on Tuesday in Hamilton.
Captain Neil Brand, one of six South African debutants, admitted his team was way off the pace.
“It’s very deflating,” he said.
“We were completely outplayed by a very good New Zealand team.
“Our patience was tested on this wicket. Guys got in, then got themselves out, which is disappointing. Hopefully we can compete more in the second Test.”
The visitors were compelled to pick a weakened tour squad, with the majority of first-choice players competing in their home Twenty20 competition.
New Zealand grabbed control with 511 in their first innings and never looked like losing until the tourists were bowled for 162.
The hosts announced their overnight score of 179-4 before play began on Wednesday, leaving South Africa to chase an unachievable aim of 529.
Jamieson made sure they never got near, collecting 4-58 and hitting crucial double-strikes at the opening of the second and third sets on Wednesday.
The most important wicket came from David Bedingham, who raced to a career-high 87 off 96 balls before mistiming a pull shot to midwicket just after lunch.
It ended a 105-run partnership with Keegan Petersen, who similarly failed to control a Jamieson short ball on 16.
The tourists’ response had began disastrously, with both openers departing within the first four overs.
Brand was bowled for three by New Zealand’s Tim Southee with a late inswinger, while Edward Moore departed for a duck after hitting a Matt Henry delivery into cover.
Jamieson broke a resolute 63-run third-wicket stand when he caught Raynard van Tonder at first slip for 31 before Zubayr Hamza’s attempted pull shot from 36 went sweetly to mid-on.
Spinner Mitchell Santner extracted a turn to wrap up the tail and end with 3-59, matching Jamieson’s six wickets.
Rachin Ravindra was voted Man of the Match after scoring 240 in New Zealand’s first innings.
“This rates highly for me, because of the time spent out there and the different people I batted with and the partnerships we managed to put down,” Ravindra said after only his fourth Test appearance.
“That makes it a bit more special. It’s extremely pleasing we got the job done.”
Kane Williamson also excelled with the bat, striking a century in each innings to extend his outstanding Test record.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz / BackpagePix
