South Africa wins by 198 runs and ties the series 1-1 with New Zealand

South Africa thrashed New Zealand by 198 runs in the second Test in Christchurch on Tuesday, thus ruining their ambitions of defending their World Test Championship. In the last three months, New Zealand has now lost three out of six Tests at home, where it was previously unbeatable. After a defeat against India in December, Bangladesh smashed New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in January, followed by a loss to South Africa at Hagley Oval in February.

New Zealand’s historic triumph against the Proteas last week gave them optimism of winning their first series against South Africa in 17 tries spanning back 90 years.

On the eve of the second Test, though, skipper Tom Latham stated that a series victory was important.

A focus for New Zealand was earning WTC points to defend their title from a year ago when they beat India in the final in England.

In today’s cricket, this is becoming more difficult to win away from home, thus points earned at home are quite valuable.” According to Latham,

When South Africa grabbed a 71-run lead in the first innings and then smashed 354 for nine in the second to set New Zealand a world record 426 to win, they were never really in it.

New Zealand opened the final day at 94 for four, having lost their first two wickets for just six runs, and were bowled out shortly after tea for 229.

With 28 Test Championship points from six matches, New Zealand is currently sixth in the nine-team rankings, while South Africa is fourth with 36 points from five.

“I’m incredibly disappointed to be in this position,” Latham said, adding that New Zealand needs to do considerably better away from home in order to qualify for the final.

Sri Lanka leads the championship table with two wins out of two (100%), followed by Australia (86.66 percent) with four wins out of five, and Pakistan (75.00 percent) with three wins out of four.

Sri Lanka begins a two-match series in India this week, and Australia starts a three-match series with Pakistan on Friday in Rawalpindi.

England is ranked last, having lost six of nine tests, and drawn two, for a victory percentage of 9.25.