South Africa Ease To Nine-Wicket Victory

South Africa Ease To Nine-Wicket Victory

Graeme Smith hit an unbeaten half-century as South Africa went 1-0 up over New Zealand in Hamilton

©REUTERS / Action Images

South Africa 253 & 103-1 (Smith 55no) beat
New Zealand 185 & 168 by nine wickets
Second Test, Hamilton
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

South Africa wrapped up a nine-wicket victory over New Zealand on day three of the second Test in Hamilton, easily reaching a target of 101.

Graeme Smith stroked an unbeaten 55 and Hashim Amla was unbeaten on 46 as South Africa closed on 103 for one having bowled New Zealand out for 168 in their second innings.

Kane Williamson top scored with 77 but Vernon Philander's haul of six for 44 ensured that, having started the day three runs behind.

Philander bowled impressively to dismiss Rob Nicol (1), Brendon McCullum (5), Williamson, who faced 193 balls and hit ten fours, Kruger van Wyk (20), Mark Gillespie (14) and finally Chris Martin (0).

Dale Steyn picked up a brace of wickets while Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis picked up a wicket apiece.

Williamson managed to add 51 with Ross Taylor for the fourth wicket and 42 with van Wyk for the sixth before New Zealand lost their final five wickets for 25.

South Africa lost Alviro Petersen for one when he was caught by van Wyk off Doug Bracewell but were otherwise untroubled on their way to their modest victory target.

On the opening day, New Zealandlost five wickets with the score on 133 to hand the initiative to South Africa. Bowled out for 185, they then conceded a lead as South Africa made 253 before making early inroads in the second innings.

From there, the win was hardly in doubt and South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 with the final game beginning in Wellington on 23rd March.

The opening Test in Dunedin was drawn.

© Cricket World 2012