Proteas seal ’big’ win after epic turnaround in Christchurch

Johannesburg - South Africa wrapped up a superb series tying victory over New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Tuesday, that the Proteas captain, Dean Elgar described as being a big achievement.

For South Africa it was a remarkable turnaround after they’d lost the first Test by an innings and 276 runs in less than three days just a week ago. “This is a big one,” Elgar said of the victory. “Given that we are playing away from home, were 1-0 down and got beaten in two and half days, I’m pretty sure, this ranks quite high.” .

It was only the third time in 10 matches that a Test had reached the fifth day at the picturesque Christchurch, with South Africa requiring six wickets to win.

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New Zealand pair, Devon Conway and Tom Blundell played confidently to get through the first hour. Conway made excellent use of the sweep - both conventional and reverse - against Keshav Maharaj. Both batters initially played well against the short ball, but when Lutho Sipamla was brought onto bowl in the second hour, he provided a different challenge. Sipamla bowled a wonderful spell on the fourth evening, pinning Conway at one end, and he resumed in similar fashion, although his length on Tuesday was slightly fuller.

Keshav Maharaj takes the final wicket at Hagley Oval to complete a strong win for South Africa and square the @ANZ_NZ Test Series 1-1. Scorecard | https://t.co/KomILy93NC #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/aMZmGDEWkM

There was a hint of reverse swing, but it wasn’t quick enough to cause undue concern. Sipamla continued with his around the wicket ploy to Conway, and pitched one very full that smacked the left hander on the ankle. The umpire didn’t