South Africa deny New Zealand again with series-levelling win

South Africa turned the tables on New Zealand with an emphatic 198-run victory in the second test in Christchurch on Tuesday, crushing the hosts' hopes of a maiden series win over the Proteas.

Having suffered their second-worst test defeat in the first meeting in Christchurch, South Africa rebounded superbly at Hagley Oval, dismissing the Black Caps for 227 in their second innings just after tea on day five.

Chasing a would-be world record victory target of 426 runs, New Zealand resumed on 94 for four in the morning and there was a flicker of hope of saving the match as they reached lunch at 180 for five.

However, the resistance was broken when wicketkeeper Tom Blundell (44) and all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (18) surrendered with loose shots after the break, and the Black Caps bowed out losing 6-61.

South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was Man of the Match after taking eight wickets and blasting 47 runs in the second innings as the tourists piled on 354 for nine declared to set up the win.

"It's never easy playing against New Zealand and we knew what we had to do ... I'm glad that we could get the job done," said Rabada.

"In the first test we completely didn't rock up ... We knew we had to win this one, at least to make it 1-1."

Rabada's pace comrade Marco Jansen grabbed three final-day wickets to finish with seven for the match, while spinner Keshav Maharaj was influential with 3-75 in the second innings.

STAY OF EXECUTION

Having demolished South Africa by an innings and 276 runs in the opener, New Zealand needed only draw the match to complete their first series win over the Proteas and end 90 years of frustration dating back to the teams' first in 1931/32.

But their top order was routed twice, leaving them chasing the