MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Black Caps seamer Kyle Jamieson claimed four wickets on Wednesday to drive New Zealand to a 281-run win over South Africa with a day to spare in the first Test.
Dogged resistance from the tourists ended with their dismissal for 247 at Mount Maunganui as the Black Caps notched their second-biggest Test victory by runs.
New Zealand are a step closer to a maiden series win over South Africa after 17 previous failed attempts, dating back to 1931.
Given their struggles at Bay Oval, the vastly inexperienced Proteas will need a dramatic turnaround to win the second and final Test, starting on Tuesday in Hamilton.
The tourists were forced to name a depleted tour squad with most first-choice players involved in their domestic Twenty20 competition.
New Zealand took control with 511 in their first innings and never looked like losing when the tourists – fielding six debutants – were dismissed for 162.
The hosts declared at their overnight 179-4 before play began on Wednesday, leaving South Africa to chase an unrealistic target of 529.
Jamieson ensured they never came close, taking 4-58 and producing key double-strikes at the start of the second and third sessions on Wednesday.
The most crucial wicket was that of David Bedingham, who raced to a career-high 87 off 96 balls before he mistimed a pull shot to midwicket soon after tea.
It ended a 105-run stand with Keegan Petersen, who also failed to control a Jamieson short ball on 16.
