South Africa have always had the upper hand against New Zealand in the Test format. They maintained their illustrious record in the longer-version format in the just-completed two-match series against the Blackcaps. Despite having one of the least experienced teams in the world, South Africa were able to draw the series against one of New Zealand's finest Test teams. The Proteas Test team won the second Test in Christchurch by 198 runs on Tuesday (March 1), drawing the series 1-1. The updated ICC Test Championship points table and second match report are discussed in this article.

The Second Test Report: New Zealand vs South Africa

South Africa's overall Test record against New Zealand shows that they have won 25 matches, lost just 5, and 16 matches finished in a draw. New Zealand have never won a series against South Africa since the first Test between the two teams in 1932. On the other side, South Africa have won 13 Test series while four series have concluded in a stalemate.

New Zealand's campaign had high hopes of winning the two-match longer version series against South Africa. Because the current New Zealand Test team is perhaps their best of all time, this South African Test team is inexperienced. New Zealand also served as the series' host country. The Blackcaps dominated the Proteas in the first match of the series. The only thing they needed was a draw in the second game, but the New Zealand team was unable to prevent South Africa from winning the series-deciding game.   

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South Africa’s First Innings

South Africa's top scorer was opener Sarel Erwee in the first innings. Erwee and Elgar commenced the innings with a 111-run partnership, providing the visitors with a superb platform. The Proteas middle-order carried the innings from there for a competitive total. South Africa scored 364 runs in their first innings.

Sarel Erwee produced 108 runs with the bat, while no other batters reached fifty in the innings. Elgar, Markram, Van der Dussen, and Maharaj all made good contributions with the bat. Neil Wagner grabbed the most wickets for New Zealand with four, while Matt Henry took three.

New Zealand’s First Innings 

In response, New Zealand were bowled out for 293 runs, leaving them 71 runs behind in their first innings. The visitors got off to a bad start, losing five wickets for 91 runs. Later, a 133-run sixth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme helped New Zealand avert a follow-on. Colin de Grandhomme stayed undefeated with 120* runs, while Daryl Mitchell added 60 runs.

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Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were two of South Africa's most successful pacers in this innings. Rabada grabbed the most wickets with five, while Jansen took four.

South Africa’s First Innings

South Africa began their second innings with a good first-inning lead and declared on 354/9d. The Proteas' wicket-keeper batter, Kyle Verreynne smashed a 136-run innings for the visitors, giving them a big lead at the end of the third innings. South Africa set New Zealand a 426-run target to win the match in the second session of day 4. Southee, Henry, Jamieson, and Wagner all took two wickets for New Zealand in this innings.

New Zealand’s Second Innings

New Zealand were bowled out for 227 on day 5 after chasing a massive 426-run target. The rain on day 5 caused worry in the Proteas dressing room since it disrupted the game for a period of time. However, all worries vanished when Keshav Maharaj removed Matt Henry through Ibw to give South Africa the win.

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Maharaj, Jansen, and Rabada all took three wickets for their respective teams in the fourth innings. On the other hand, Devon Conway scored 92 runs for the Blackcaps. The Player of the match went to Kagiso Rabada. He took the most wickets with eight and played a crucial 47-run innings in the match's third innings.

Player of the Series 

New Zealand's pacer Matt Henry was named player of the series for his outstanding bowling performance in the two-match series. Henry took 14 wickets at an average of 16.14.

Current Points Table of the ICC Test Championship

South Africa are still in fourth place despite winning the second match of the series against New Zealand. On the other hand, New Zealand are in sixth place, just ahead of Bangladesh.

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Sri Lanka remained in first place, with a 100% PCT percentage. The Lankans may lose their current position in the next Sri Lanka-India Test series. Meanwhile, the forthcoming Test series between Australia and Pakistan will be fascinating, since both teams are now in second and third place, respectively.

ICC Test Championship Points Table (as of March 1, 2022)

 Source: https://www.icc-cricket.com/world-test-championship/standings

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The team South Africa achieved a fantastic result by drawing the away series against New Zealand. South Africa will have to play two more difficult away series, against Australia and England, respectively in the ICC Test Championship. The outcomes of the series will determine their chances of making the final. Because South Africa is predicted to beat both Bangladesh and the West Indies in their upcoming home series.

On the other hand, the incumbent champions, New Zealand, have struggled in the second edition of the Test Championship. They have drawn two home series against Bangladesh and South Africa, as well as losing an away series to India in November of last year.