Proteas take 1-0 lead against Black Caps courtesy Maharaj's magic

Wellington [New Zealand], Mar. 18 (ANI): Left-arm orthodox spinner Keshav Maharaj displayed a stupendous display of spin bowling to help South Africa defeat New Zealand by eight wickets on Day Three of the second Test and go one up in the three-match series in Wellington on Saturday. Chasing a target of 81 runs, the visitors lost the wickets of openers Dean Elgar and Stephen Cook on their respective scores of 17 and 11 respectively. However, veteran batsman Hashim Amla and Jean-Paul Duminy made sure there were no more hiccups in the chase and steered their side to a comfortable victory. Amla remained unbeaten on 38 off 61 balls that included 5 cracking fours while Duminy contributed 15 off 16 that saw him striking the final run. Earlier, Maharaj scalped as many as six wickets in the second innings to bring down the spin-fearing Black Caps lower-middle order on Day Three. The Kiwi batting line-up fell like a pack of cards and were eventually bowled out for 171. Apart from opener Jeet Raval, who played a gritting knock of 80, none of the New Zealand batters could stay long at the crease and provide stability to the innings. This was South Africa's fifth win at the Basin Reserve in the seven games they have played so far. Maharaj's figures of 6 for 40 were sufficient enough to earn him the Man of the Match award. Morne Morkel picked three wickets for 50 runs while Kagiso Rabada claimed the remaining one. The two teams will next meet in the final Test beginning March 25 at the Seddon Park, Hamilton. (ANI)