The Blacks Caps of New Zealand have taken an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-Test series against South Africa.

On Wednesday, the Blacks Caps hammered the Proteas by 281-runs at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand declared their second innings on 179/4 which was their score at stumps on day three. The captain Kane Williamson scored 109-runs in the second innings to record back-to-back centuries in the Test.

ON Wednesday, South Africa came out to bat having to score 528-runs in their second innings for an unlikely win, or bat for two straight days to secure a draw.

David Bedingham top-scored for South Africa with 87-runs off 96, while Zubayr Hamza contributed with 36 as they were bowled out for 247-runs in 80 overs. The North West Dragons duo of Ruan de Swardt and Raynard van Tonder scored 34 and 31 respectively.

Kyle Jamieson was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 4/58 in 19, while Mitchell Santner took 3/59 in 26.

For his 240-runs in the New Zealand first innings and 2/16, Rachin Ravindra, was named as the player of the match.

“It's very deflating - we gave them chances and who knows what would have been,” said the Proteas captain, Neil Brand.

“Our patience was tested on this wicket, the guys got in and got themselves out. It’s back to the drawing board now and hopefully we can do better in the next Test.

“It's obviously disappointing to lose wickets after breaks. We're raring to get back for the second Test.”

Brand added that his 6/119 in the first innings will go down as a personal highlight.

“Six wickets were a massive honour for me but my currency is runs, so disappointed to not contribute there.”

The second and final Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton will start next week Tuesday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport