South Africa lost to New Zealand by an innings and 276 runs

New Zealand knocked out South Africa for 111 in their second innings to win the first Test by an innings and 276 runs before lunch on day three in Christchurch, with Tim Southee taking five wickets. New Zealand has only beaten South Africa five times in 46 Tests since 1932, with their most recent victory coming in 2004.

The incumbent world Test champions have never won a series against South Africa but barring a spectacular turnaround in the second Test of the two-match series, they will try to break their drought. At Hagley Oval in Christchurch, pace bowler Matt Henry was awarded Player of the Match after taking nine wickets in total, including 7-23 in the first innings. He also batted at No. 11 and produced a dashing 58 not out.

South Africa, who had behind by 387 runs after their first innings, began the day at 34 for three and showed little desire to chase down the score. In the morning session, the Proteas lost their final seven wickets. Henry deflected compliments by saying, “You’ve got to give credit to the bowling squad.” “For a long time, we put pressure on both sides, and I was the one who got the rewards on the other end.”

In the absence of injured Kane Williamson, Latham, the captain, agreed that the toss was vital, but praised his bowlers’ clinical use of the favorable conditions.

Winning the toss was an important part, he added, “but after that, the players had to put the ball where it needed to go.”

“You look back and it was probably the perfect performance really, to back up the performance with the bat on a wicket that was a bit challenging.” Our guys came out strong in the first inning, and in the second inning, they put the ball back in the right spot.