It took one session for the hosts to mop up the remaining seven Proteas wickets en route to a massive innings victory.
South Africa resumes their second innings on 34/3, but Matt Henry burst through Rassie van der Dussen’s defensive push on the second ball of the day. It was the beginning of another breathtaking bowling effort from New Zealand, as the Proteas batters helplessly tried to battle.
Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne added 41 runs between them, and that was the highest stand for SA across both innings. A pinpoint inswinging full delivery from Wagner trapped Bavuma lbw, and when Verreynne edged to third slip in the very next over, the end was nigh.
The lower order resisted for another 10 overs, but couldn’t endure the heat from the Blackcaps pace attack. Glenton Stuurman’s wicket during the extra 30 minutes sealed the deal for NZ, and Southee completed his 14th Test 5-wicket haul.
NZ have a spring in their step after a thumping win, and SA are left with several questions to address, leading up to the next game. The second Test begins on Thursday, Feb 24 at the same venue.
SA 95 + 111 (Bavuma 41 – Southee 5/35)
NZ 482