With a clinical performance in all aspects of cricket, New Zealand finished the first Test with a remarkable 281-run victory against South Africa on Wednesday at Bay Oval.
On Day 4, the seasoned side triumphed against the raw talent in their first encounter.
After Kane Williamson’s double centuries and Rachin Ravindra’s double ton gave New Zealand a commanding lead heading into Day 4, pacer Kyle Jamieson and spinner Mitchell Santner helped the hosts to a comfortable victory.
With gloomy skies over the picturesque Bay Oval, Jamieson set the tone for the third session by striking twice after lunch, removing David Bedingham (87) and Keegan Petersen (16).
South Africa fell on 247 when chasing down 529, with Santner taking the final wicket of Dane Paterson.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand chose to declare on 179/4, forcing South Africa to chase a massive mark of 529.
Matt Henry and Tim Southee took advantage of the cloudy conditions, reducing South Africa to 5/2 in the fourth over.
Skipper Southee moved the ball both ways to break through his adversary Neil Brand’s defence (3).
After Raynard van Tonder’s (31 off 83 deliveries) and Zubayr Hamza’s (36 off 92 deliveries) powerful knocks came to an end, Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham raised the prospect of an incredible comeback.
Bedingham had a rough start to his innings, but he eventually decided to let loose and incorporate his T20 style of play into red ball cricket.
He crushed Matt Henry’s short ball strategy, hitting four straight boundaries in his over. His smooth T20 approach enabled him to elevate his bats for his second Test century.
However, Jamieson eventually got the better of high-flying Bedingham, resulting in South Africa’s collapse at 247.
Brief Score: New Zealand 511 & 179/4 d (Kane Williamson 109, Devon Conway 29; Neil Brand 2-53), South Africa 162 & 247 (David Bedingham 87; Kyle Jamieson 4-59, Mitchell Santner 3-59).
