Proteas' first Test fiasco: A look at their four other heaviest defeats

The Proteas' abysmal defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday was their second heaviest in Test cricket.

Sport24 takes a look the other dark chapters in South Africa's catalogue of worst losses in the pinnacle form of the game. 

2002 - LOST BY AN INNINGS AND 360 RUNS AGAINST AUSTRALIA, JOHANNESBURG

Granted, it was pretty difficult to be competitive let alone win against one of the greatest Test teams ever assembled but even the most optimistic Proteas fans would've been shocked by this result.

Despite a typically muscular century from Matthew Hayden, South Africa seemed to have played themselves back into some sort of contention when the fifth wicket fell on 293.

Just over 62 overs later, home side were left battered by the brilliance of Adam Gilchrist, who smashed an unbeaten, 213-ball 204 and added 317 for the sixth wicket with Damien Martyn (133).

Australia eventually declared on 652/7 and then proceeded to show all their potency with the ball.

Ashwell Prince, on debut, showed why he would become such a stalwart for the Test side in later years with an accomplished 49 but only had Herschelle Gibbs (34) for any sort of meaningful support.

A varied attack shared the wickets in that first innings, but it was the peerless duo of Glenn McGrath (5/21) and Shane Warne (4/44) that dominated in the second.

Worst of all, Allan Donald broke down in his 16th over to bring his stellar Test career to an unceremonious end.

Australia 652/7 dec. - South Africa 159 and 133

2022 - LOST BY AN INNINGS AN 276 RUNS AGAINST NEW ZEALAND, CHRISTCHURCH

Twenty years later, this mauling happened.

It's still fresh in the minds, but if you need a reminder - READ HERE

South Africa 95 and 111 - New Zealand 482

1950 - LOST BY AN