1st Test: Tim Southee five-wicket haul helps New Zealand beat South Africa by innings and 276 runs

Tim Southee took five wickets as New Zealand claimed a rare victory over South Africa on Saturday, wrapping up the first Test by an innings and 276 runs early on day three in Christchurch.

Tim Southee took five wickets as New Zealand bowled out South Africa for 111 in their second innings to win the first Test by an innings and 276 runs before lunch on day three in Christchurch. It is only the fifth time in 46 Tests since 1932 that New Zealand have beaten South Africa, with their last victory coming in 2004.

The reigning world Test champions have never won a series against South Africa but will look to break their duck barring a major turnaround in the second Test of the two-match series. Pace bowler Matt Henry was named Player of the Match after picking up nine wickets overall, including 7-23 in the first innings at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. He also made a swashbuckling 58 not out batting at No. 11.

South Africa, who were 387 behind after their first innings, resumed the day at 34 for three and showed little appetite to chase down the total. The Proteas lost their final seven wickets in the morning session. "You've got to give credit to the bowling group," Henry said, deflecting praise. "We created pressure at both ends for a long period and I was the one that got the rewards at the other end."

TOSS CRUCIAL

Latham, the captain in the absence of injured Kane Williamson, acknowledged that the toss had been crucial, but heaped praise on the way his bowlers had clinically exploited the helpful conditions.

"Winning the toss was a big part of it, but from there, guys put the ball in the right area," he said.

"To back up the performance with the bat on a wicket that was a little tricky, you look back and it was probably the perfect performance really.