Proteas complete epic comeback in NZ with crushing win in 2nd Test, series drawn

It was a slow-burn instead of a quick last-rites administration, but South Africa took a share of the series when they beat New Zealand by 198 runs on the fifth evening of the second Test at the Hagley Oval on Tuesday.

They bowled out the Black Caps for 227 just after tea to keep their unbeaten series streak against New Zealand intact.

The win, anchored by excellent tons from Sarel Erwee (108) and Kyle Verreynne (136*), along with Kagiso Rabada's (3/46) fine all-round showing with match figures of 8/106 and his second innings 47 that catalysed the declaration, was a remarkable display of resilience from the Proteas.

It would have been difficult to imagine the Proteas picking themselves up from the innings and 276-run defeat in the first Test where they rocked up by body and not by mind and soul.

Proteas captain Dean Elgar may look back at this win as one of his bravest from a leadership perspective in choosing to go against the grain by winning the toss and batting first.

There also was the selection of spinner Keshav Maharaj on a ground that generally doesn’t favour turn. Those calls came off as the World Test champions New Zealand go yet another series without beating South Africa.

SCORECARD | New Zealand v South Africa, Second Test, Day Five

The Proteas did make some heavy weather of their deserved success, with some comical dropped catches, but Maharaj (3/75) saw the game through trapping Matt Henry (0) leg before for the final wicket as rain was threatening to ruin the party.

New Zealand resumed the fifth day on 94/4 with Devon Conway (92) and Tom Blundell (44) at the crease.

They were judicious with their attack and defence in their 85-run stand that spanned 174 balls. It was with the 174th delivery of that partnership when