South Africa clean up the kiwis

South Africa defeat New Zealand by an innings and 193 runs
SA 525/8d
NZ 121 and 211 (f/o)

New Zealand started Day 4 hoping to hold off South Africa's charge for victory for as long as possible, but their resistance was futile, as they lost the last six wickets inside 20 overs, consequently losing by an innings and 193 runs. Brownlie only added nine runs to his overnight score before being dismissed by Kallis. Meanwhile the other not out batsman BJ Watling made 63 before being bowled by Steyn in the second over of the new ball. New Zealand ended up being bowled out for 211, only 90 more than their first innings score. All South African bowlers contributed with Steyn taking three wickets, Morkel two, Kleinveldt two, Peterson two and Kallis one.

Overall although this domination by South Africa was expected, it is still disappointing for New Zealand. Two innings defeats in two tests is not a good result at all for New Zealand cricket, as at least some positives could be taken from the tour if they fought a bit more. In the test format there is no respite for New Zealand with their next five matches being against England (three at home and two away). Although the probable return of Ross Taylor will help, any win will be a major surprise. Before this series they were in 8th on the Test Rankings 13 points adrift of the West Indies. Over the year or two, I really do not see anywhere but down the table for the New Zealanders.

The 1st ODI  of the 3 match series starts on Saturday, with New Zealand desperate to end the series om a high. Although given New Zealand are 9th on the ODI rankings (South Africa 2nd), an even bigger mismatch could be on the cards. I will post a preview to the series later in the week.

Full scorecard to the second test here on Cricinfo
http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-new-zealand-2012/engine/match/567357.html