New Zealand beat an under-strength South Africa lineup by 281 runs on the fourth day of the first cricket test Wednesday to take an early lead in the two-match series.
Captain Tim Southee declared New Zealand’s second innings overnight at 179-4, with an overall lead of 528. New Zealand bowled out South Africa in the fourth innings for 247.
New Zealand posted 511 batting first and dismissed South Africa for 162 for a 349-run first innings lead. Southee chose not to enforce the follow-on and Kane Williamson completed his second century of the match, the 31st of his career, before the declaration.
“I think it was pretty good on a good (pitch) for the batters to set it up and the bowlers to take 20 wickets,” Southee said. “We knew the South Africa side would be a strong one. You look at them in all sports, they compete, they’re a very proud nation so we knew they were going to come out and fight.”