Maharaj wrecks Kiwis

Keshav Maharaj took a career best six wickets as New Zealand crumpled in their second innings and needed just 25 overs to reach the modest 81 to win. Just five sessions after South Africa were on the ropes they found themselves with an unbeatable 1-0 lead. 

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson branded the change in fortunes and his side’s second innings capitulation when they were out for 171, as a “very, very poor” effort. 

But du Plessis said the result was testimony to the determination of the South Africans. 

From being 94 for six before lunch on Friday, South Africa rallied to be all out for 359 to take a 91-run lead into the second innings. New Zealand’s second innings was done in 63.2 overs with a career best 80 by Jeet Raval and a 65-run partnership between Raval and BJ Watling (29).

New Zealand 268 & 171 lost to South Africa 359 & 83/2 (Hashim Amla 38*, Dean Elgar 17)