South Africa crush New Zealand in the 1st Test at Newlands

South Africa concluded an innings win over New Zealand on Friday in a result which was never in doubt after the Blackcaps  collapsed to 45 runs  all out before lunch on the first  day of the first Test at Newlands.

Dean Brownlie's maiden Test hundred  guide New Zealand to 232 for  5 at lunch on the 3rd  day after South Africa had declared their first innings closed at 347 for 8  on Thursday. However five wickets fell for just  23 runs in a lower  order collapse in the 2nd  session and the New Zealanders ended up 27 runs short of making the world number one team  bat again.

Dean Brownlie, who had been brought into the team as a alternate for Ross Taylor who opted out of the tour after he was replaced as captain by Brendon McCullum, resumed on day three with wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who was on 10.

The duo were determined in the 1st  session and a disturbed Proteas' outfit were forced to watch as Brownlie reached his century with a big six over long-off from the bowling of Robin Peterson. South Africa eventually got their man in the penultimate over before lunch as Brownlie cut a Morne Morkel delivery straight to Alviro Petersen on the point boundary having made 109.

Watling and James Franklin sustained to frustrate the Proteas in the first hour following the break as they looked to avoid an innings defeat. Three dropped catches had spoiled the hosts fielding display on day two and Franklin was next to be given a reprieve as ro Petersen grassed his second chance of the innings at gully.

A double strike by Vernon Philander shortly earlier than the drinks break crippled the New Zealand innings though, as Watling edged to first slip and was out for 42. Doug Bracewell was caught at gully for a duck to reduce the New Zealand  to 252 for 7  and Jeetan Patel (8) was clearly upset by the fearsome pace of Dale Steyn before eventually chopping on to his stumps.

The last  two wickets fell in fast succession, as Franklin too played on to his stumps for 22 having lasted 103 minutes to leave New Zealand on the brink at 274 for nine. Philander won the man of the match award for his match figures of 7 for 83, which included 5 for 7  in the 1st  innings. He has now captured  74 wickets in 13 Tests at 17.40 runs each since making his debut in November 2011.