South Africa wrap up huge innings victory

It took South Africa less than a session to complete a crushing innings-and-193-runs victory in Port Elizabeth. Despite more resistance the second time from New Zealand it was only ever a matter of time, and the second new ball hurried the game to a conclusion with Dale Steyn taking his match haul to eight wickets.

Although two Tests is barely enough to constitute a series this is still South Africa’s first whitewash since 2008. It is nothing less than what was expected, but the professionalism and efficiency of their displays, even taking into account the paucity of the opposition, showed the hunger they have to keep winning and not lose their focus after reaching, and retaining, the No. 1 ranking.

Scores:

South Africa 525-8 dec. (Graeme Smith 54, Hashim Amla 110, AB de Villiers 51, Faf du Plessis 137, Dean Elgar 103 not out) v New Zealand 121 (BJ Watling 63; Dale Steyn 5-17) & 211 (Dean Brownlie 53, BJ Watling 63; Dale Steyn 3-48)