Kane Williamson hit an unbeaten century as New Zealand chased down a victory target of 267 to beat South Africa by seven wickets on the fourth day of the second Test on Friday to clinch a first-ever series win over the Proteas.

South Africa, severely depleted with most of their top players back home playing the SA20 tournament, battled hard but were unable to make sufficient inroads into the home batting order as the hosts won 2-0.

Williamson’s patient 133, his 32nd Test century, mostly came in a partnership of 152 with Will Young (60 not out) that got the Black Caps over the line in what was a record fourth-innings run chase in a Test at Seddon Park.

“It was a pretty old-fashioned sort of ding-dong Test match,” said New Zealand skipper Tim Southee.

“Kane played an absolute blinder, as he has done for so many years, and he was well assisted by Youngy today.”

Brief scores: SA 242 & 235. NZ 211 & 269/3 (Kane Williamson 133 not out, Will Young 60 not out). NZ won by 7 wickets.