New Zealand put on a clinical display of bowling as they won the Christchurch Test by an innings and 276 runs to register their first win against South Africa after 18 years.
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18 years ago, there was no Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media handles. The mobile phone was a luxury few could afford. Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root were all making baby strides in cricket. That has been the gap between New Zealand’s last Test win against South Africa, which was in 2004 in Auckland. Now, 216 months or 6570 days later, New Zealand has finally won a Test match against South Africa. A stunning spell of bowling from Tim Southee, who ended up 5/35, helped New Zealand bowl out South Africa for 111. The innings and 276-run win were their highest in contests against South Africa. It was the first time that New Zealand had ever beaten South Africa by an innings in Tests in 90 years of playing each other.
On all three days, New Zealand dominated the game. After Matt Henry’s 7/23 and 58*, backed up by Henry Nicholls’ century and an enterprising 96 by Tom Blundell, New Zealand had a massive lead. But, Southee was in fine form and he showed why he was the leader of the pack on day 3 as New Zealand wrapped up an impressive win.
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Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen had shown tremendous intent towards the end of day 2. Bavuma, in particular, hit some aggressive boundaries to signal South Africa’s intent of giving a fight. But, any glimpses of a fightback were thwarted just on the second ball of the day. Matt Henry produced a brilliant ball that nipped back in to breach van der Dussen’s defense for 9. Zubayr Hamza joined Bavuma and the duo tried to weather the first hour.
But, just as it looked like they had set in, Kyle Jamieson produced a wonderful outswinger to dismiss Hamza for 6. Bavuma then decided to go for an all-out attack. He and Kyle Verreynne smashed boundaries at will. However, Neil Wagner dealt South Africa a body blow when he trapped Bavuma LBW for 41. Southee then picked up his 200th wicket at home in Tests when Verreynne fell for 30. Southee got his fourth when Kagiso Rabada edged out for 0. South Africa did cross the 100-run mark but it was scant consolation for them.
Play was extended by 30 minutes as New Zealand closed in on a win. Wagner picked up the wicket of Marco Jansen. Southee then wrapped up the match by dismissing Glenton Stuurman for 11 to end with five wickets. The final Test match will take place on February 25. New Zealand will be gunning for their first-ever series win against South Africa.
