New Zealand crushed South Africa by 281 runs in the first Test match in Mount Maunganui to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing two-match series, thanks to Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra’s masterclass batting.

South Africa, chasing a tough target of over 500 runs, could only manage 247 thanks to Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner's excellent bowling, who took seven wickets combined. Before their stunning bowling performance, Williamson and Ravindra stole the show with their centuries.

Williamson scored 118 and 109 in the two innings in Mount Maunganui Test against South Africa, becoming the fifth New Zealand player to achieve two centuries in a Test match. On the other hand, Ravindra scored his maiden Test century, turning it into a double hundred (240).

Rachin was awarded the Player of the Match award for his remarkable batting show in the first Test against South Africa, and the youngster was overwhelmed to get the honor.

Rachin Ravindra said after winning the award: “Feels good in any capacity to contribute to team victory, how difficult it is to be out there for four-five days and get the job done. It'll rate this knock pretty high because of the time we spent out there and the partnerships we put out there for this win.”

Well, Rachin gave full credit to Williamson for his calm celebration, but he straight up refused share his Player of the Match trophy with the New Zealand captain.

He signed off by saying, “Nah, not at all. He's got 31 Test hundreds for my one so I'm not giving that one. Any time you contribute to the win it makes you feel special. As long as you're giving your best you're made to feel you belong and it's driven well by the coaching staff.”

(With ANI Inputs)