South Africa wraps up series

PORT ELIZABETH, DEC. 4. South Africa clinched the series against New Zealand today with a seven-wicket win on the fifth day of the second Test at St. George's Park.

Opening batsman Gary Kirsten shepherded South Africa to its second win of the three-match series, making 47 not out after South Africa had been set a target of 86.

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming blamed his side's defeat on a ``disastrous session'' yesterday, when New Zealand lost five wickets between lunch and tea before being bowled out for a disappointing 148. ``You just can't afford that against a good side,'' he said.

South African captain Shaun Pollock, after his first Test series win since taking over from the sacked Hansie Cronje in April, paid tribute to a fighting performance in which South Africa had struggled in the first innings.

``It's great to have wrapped it up in the second Test. It was a big effort to bowl New Zealand out in the second innings,'' he said.

As in the first Test, which South Africa won by five wickets, the New Zealand bowlers and fielders showed spirit in defending a small target.

After dismissing Boeta Dippenaar on Sunday, they claimed the wickets of Jacques Kallis (26) and Daryll Cullinan (11) before conceding defeat.

Kallis struck five 4s and was looking in good form until he top- edged a hook against Martin and was caught at deep backward square leg. Cullinan drove at an in-swinger from Walmsley and was bowled between bat and pad.

The third Test starts in Johannesburg on Friday. South African fast bowler Allan Donald is a doubtful starter for the final Test because of a stomach muscle injury. Mfuneko Ngam, 21, of Eastern Province, is on standby and is likely to win a first cap. South African physiotherapist Craig Smith said Donald would not play if there were any signs of the injury on the day before the game.

- AFP

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