NZ vs SA: The Kiwis take a 1-0 lead in the series with their second-biggest win against the Proteas in Tests

New Zealand won the NZ vs SA 1st test match to take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series after beating an inexperienced South African side by a mammoth margin of 281 runs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

This is also New Zealand's second-biggest win over the Proteas after they won by an innings and 276 runs back in February 2022 in Christchurch. This is also only their 6th victory over South Africa in 48 test matches since their first meeting back in 1932.

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After the end of day 3, New Zealand had a huge lead of 528 runs after Kane Williamson became the first New Zealand batsman to score 2 centuries in the same Test. Before the start of day 4, New Zealand declared their inning, setting up a huge target of 529 runs to chase.

Matt Henry and Tim Southee dismissed Neil Brand and Edward Moore respectively to provide the Blackcaps with a superb start. Raynard van Tonder (31) and Zubayr Hamza (36) added 63 runs for the third wicket before both batters had to depart within just 3 overs.

David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen gave the Proteas something to keep their hopes on with a partnership of 105 runs for the fifth wicket. Bedingham played a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 96 balls with the help of 13 fours and 3 sixes.

However, Kyle Jamieson was in different mood and he dismantled the middle order by dismissing van Tonder, Hamza, Bedingham and Peterson. He finished with figures of 17-3-58-4.

Ruan de Swardt made 34 runs off 56 balls, but it was not enough. Mitchell Santner also picked up 3 wickets as New Zealand bowled South Africa out for 247 in 80 overs. Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for scoring a double hundred in the first innings. The second Test will be played on from February 13 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.