NZ vs SA 1st Test, Day 4 Highlights: Top performers, Stats and more

New Zealand registered a massive 281-run win on Day 4 of the first Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

The Kiwis declared overnight in their second innings and set the Proteas an improbable target of 529 to chase down in two days. The inexperienced South African side had their backs against the wall and things went from bad to worse when they lost both their openers inside the first four overs in overcast conditions.

Raynard van Tonder (31 off 83 balls) and Zubayr Hamza (36 off 92 balls) stitched a 63-run partnership but both of them departed in quick succession, as the visitors slumped to 73/4. David Bedingham, who made his international debut during the Test series against India, played a fine counterattacking innings to give South African supporters something to cheer for. The stylish right-handed batter scored 87 runs off just 96 balls, hitting 13 fours and three sixes. His knock came to an end in the 57th over of the day, when Kyle Jamieson sent him packing.

After Bedingham’s dismissal, the rest of the South African side couldn’t last long, as they were bowled out for 247 in 80 overs. Ruan de Swardt, who came out to bat at No. 7, remained unbeaten on 34 off 56 balls. On the bowling front, Jamieson was the pick of the bowlers, as he finished with excellent figures of 4/58. Mitchell Santner picked up three wickets, to add to the three he bagged in the first innings. Meanwhile, Blackcaps skipper Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and Glenn Phillips chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Young Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance in the first Test of the series. He scored a remarkable double-century in the first innings and also took a couple of wickets.

Here’s how fans reacted to New Zealand’s resounding win over South Africa:

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