1st Test: South Africa claim easy victory over NZ

Hosts wrap up Test in three days with an innings win.

CAPE TOWN: South African captain Graeme Smith said yesterday that his team would not rest on their laurels after securing an innings victory over New Zealand inside three days in the first Test at Newlands.

He said South Africa wanted to build on an unbeaten run in Test matches in 2012 which took them to the number one ranking in the world.

“It’s about winning,” said Smith of their ruthless approach, winning by an-innings and 27 runs. It’s what you’re defined on in modern sport.”

South Africa were made to work harder than in the first innings, when they shot New Zealand out for 45 before lunch on the first day.

With Dean Brownlie scoring 109, his maiden Test century, New Zealand defied South Africa’s attack for most of the morning before succumbing to the second new ball. They were eventually bowled out for 275 shortly before tea.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2013.