The Bay Oval witnessed a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the opening Test of the two-match series between New Zealand and South Africa unfolded. Day 4 marked the conclusion of an exhilarating contest, with New Zealand emerging victorious thanks to outstanding performances from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
Match recap: New Zealand’s dominant batting display
From the outset, New Zealand asserted their dominance, batting first and posting a formidable total of 511 runs in their first innings. The heroics came from the dynamic duo of Rachin, who notched up a brilliant double century with an impressive 240, and captain Williamson, who contributed a sensational century with 118 runs. Despite Proteas skipper Neil Brand‘s exceptional 6-wicket haul, the Kiwi batters ensured a continuous flow of runs.
South Africa’s struggles
In response, South Africa faced a formidable challenge with the bat, struggling to find a rhythm. None of their batters managed to surpass the fifty-run mark, leading to a meager total of 162 runs. The Kiwi bowlers put up a decent performance, asserting their control over the game.
Williamson’s second century on Day 3
With a substantial lead in hand, New Zealand opted to bat again, and once again, Williamson rose to the occasion. The captain showcased his class with yet another top-notch century, guiding the hosts to a score of 179/4 by the end of Day 3.
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Declaration and Proteas’ resistance
New Zealand declared their innings at the overnight score of 179/4 on Day 4, setting a daunting target of 528 runs for South Africa. Despite some resistance from Proteas batters, including noteworthy performances from David Bedingham (87) and Zubayr Hamza (36), New Zealand convincingly sealed the win.
Bowlers ensure New Zealand’s victory
The Kiwi bowlers, spearheaded by Kyle Jamieson (4/58) and Mitchell Santner (3/59), showcased their skills on Day 4. Their disciplined and effective bowling performance helped dismantle the South African batting lineup, securing a comprehensive 281-run victory for the hosts.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
NEW ZEALAND DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA BY 281 RUNS IN THE 1ST TEST…!!!! 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/J628t6kpBG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 7, 2024
🇳🇿New Zealand Defeated South Africa by 281 runs in the 1st test
its huge Victory indeed #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/y92Elx2Y22— Tariq Khan Khattar (@Tariq_2427) February 7, 2024
A convincing win in four days for New Zealand in the first test. The amount of dismissals that were just thrown away by South Africa was an example of the lack of experience. South Africa Cricket deserved that result for totally disrespecting the format with this squad
— Joshua Samaraweera (@joshsamaraweera) February 7, 2024
Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the match in the first Test against South Africa.
– The star in making. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/ymZnmhIDti
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 7, 2024
New Zealand bowl South Africa out for 247 to win the first Test by 281 runs at Bay Oval. South Africa’s lack of Test match experience showed against a team loaded with international experience! #NZvSA
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) February 7, 2024
Kane Williamson became the 5th NZ player after Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth, Andrew Jones and Peter Fulton to score centuries in both innings of test.
Last such instance happened in 2013 when Peter Fulton scored 136 & 110 vs Eng at Auckland.Rachin Ravindra became the…
— Bhagyesh Joshi 🏏🇮🇳 (@Cric_bhagya82) February 6, 2024
New Zealand won the 1st Test by 281 runs and lead the series 1-0 South Africa. Jamieson (4-58) and Santner (3-59) led with the ball while 2 consecutive centuries from Kane & a double century from POTM Rachin led with the bat. Congrats @BLACKCAPS 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/axYCFLH7Vg
— Ayesha⁶⁶ (@JoeRoot66Fan) February 7, 2024
Emerging talent shining bright! 🌟 Rachin Ravindra clinches the Player of the Match in the first Test against South Africa. 🏏🏆 A star in the making! 🫡 #RachinRavindra #CricketTalent #PlayerOfTheMatch pic.twitter.com/D7RJswDVRI
— Hemant ( Sports Active ) (@hemantbhavsar86) February 7, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 🇳🇿 DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦 BY 281 RUNS IN THE 1ST TEST…
Defeat Margin is More than Kane Williamson Scored Run 🏃💨🏃💨
New Zealand🇳🇿 Rocked 🎸🎶🎶
South Africa🇿🇦 Shocked😱🙀🤯#SAvsNZ #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/1s9cZ5SeG6— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) February 7, 2024
NEW ZEALAND DEFEATED SOUTH AFRICA BY 281 RUNS IN THE 1ST TEST…!!!! #nzvssa
— Shaharyar Azhar (@azhar_shaharyar) February 7, 2024
Highest averages in test wins (min 15 wins)
130.08 Don Bradman
80.30 Kane Williamson
78.16 Inzamam-ul-Haq
77.42 Garry Sobers#NZvSA— Francis Payne (@FPayne100) February 7, 2024
Kane Williamson is the first player to record centuries in both innings, be on the winning side and not win the Player of the Match award since Azhar Ali (109 & 100*) for Pak v Aus in Abu Dhabi in 2014 – because Misbah-ul-Haq (101 & 101*) achieved the feat too!#NZvSA
— Richard V Isaacs (@RVICricketStats) February 7, 2024
Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the match in the first Test against South Africa. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/PxXOE5MuCV
— Azam Sajjad (@AzamDON) February 7, 2024
That first test was horrible to watch, it evidently showed the gap between international and domestic cricket is massive. Can’t blame the players though. #NZvSA
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) February 7, 2024
Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the match in the first Test against South Africa.
– The star in making. 🫡#NZvSA #RachinRavindra #KaneWilliamson pic.twitter.com/hEuDeBmwDo
— Mukesh Gill (@MukeshGill189) February 7, 2024
Biggest margin of victory for New Zealand in terms of runs:
423 v SL – Christchurch 2018
281 v SA – Mt Maunganui 2024
254 v Zim – Bulawayo 2016
240 v WI – Hamilton 2017
204 v WI – Bridgetown 2002
199 v Eng – Headingley 2015
193 v SL – Wellington 2015#NZvSA— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) February 7, 2024
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