ICC World Test Championship Updated Points Table After New Zealand vs South Africa 1st Test

Updated - 19 Feb 2022, 11:17 AM

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New Zealand defeated South Africa by an innings and 276 runs in the first of the 2-match Test series to take a 1-0 lead. They also registered 12 crucial points on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table to go up to the sixth place.

Tom Latham and co. produced a clinical performance at the Hagley Oval. The Proteas batted first but were blown away for 95 due to a stunning spell from Matt Henry. He took 7/23 in 15 overs, which are his best figures ever in Test cricket.

Henry Nicholls, New Zealand — Henry Nicholls (Image Credit: Twitter)

The fall of wickets was also some poor shot selection from the visitors. Nevertheless, New Zealand ended up in the driver’s seat on Day 1 with Henry Nicholls and nightwatchman, Neil Wagner, ensuring they end up with the lead. Nicholls went on to complete his century on Day 2.

Tom Blundell, in the company of the bowlers, then put on another batting masterclass as the lead kept going. It went past 300 eventually with Kyle Jamieson and Blundell at the crease. Blundell began running out of partners before Henry turned up once again, with the bat this time.

He smashed a 68-ball 58 and more importantly, accompanied Blundell as the lead reached closer to 400. Just when it was about to be an easy and simple hundred for Blundell, he ended up edging off Marco Jansen as the Kiwis folded up for 282, a lead of 387.

In return, South Africa lost wickets in a flurry once again as they were down to 4/3 at the end of Day 3. It was a mere formality on the next day with Tim Southee bagging himself a fifer en route to a thumping win.