Paceman Dale Steyn became the second quickest fast bowler to reach 300 Test wickets even as New Zealand were sensationally skittled out for just 45 on day one of the first Test with South Africa in Cape Town.
South Africa bowled out New Zealand for just 45 in the first Test on Wednesday, confirming their status as the world's number one side in a demolition that saw Dale Steyn take his 300th wicket in the five day game.
But Steyn's two for 18, in which he reached the landmark 300 by bowling Doug Bracewell for two, was overshadowed by a devastating spell from Vernon Philander, who ended the first innings with figures of five for seven.
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Philander's achievement was all the more remarkable as he had been an injury doubt going into the match.
Steyn, 29, was playing in his 61st Test. Only Australia's Dennis Lillee, who achieved the feat in his 56th Test, and Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka (58) have reached the milestone in fewer matches.
New Zealand batsman Doug Bracewell is clean bowled by South African pacer Dale Steyn for his 300th wicket on Tuesday. Pic/AFPu00a0
Steyn, currently the world's number one ranked Test bowler, joined West Indian Malcolm Marshall and New Zealand's Richard Hadlee in taking 300 wickets in 61 matches.
Steyn had to wait until the third ball of his second spell to take his first wicket of the match and was overshadowed by new ball partner Vernon Philander who took the first five wickets at a cost of four runs.
Steyn's strike reduced the tourists to 31 for seven after they won the toss.
This is New Zealan's third lowest Test total ever and also the third lowest total ever in the 1st innings by a team winning the toss and electing to bat. It is the lowest Test total since India made 42 at Lord’s in June 1974.
Morne Morkel picked up the three remaining New Zealand wickets for 14, as only Kane Williamson managed to reach double figures (13) during their capitulation in just 19.2 overs.
Philander ended with figures of 6-3-7-5, Morne Morkel 6-2-14-3 and Dale Steyn ended with 7.2-2-18-2.
Steyn's achievement in his 61st Test means that only Australia's Dennis Lillee and Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka have reached the milestone in fewer matches. Lillee managed it in 56 Tests and Muralitharan in 58.
"It's an unbelievable achievement," said South African captain Graeme Smith.
"He's our go-to guy. He's got there really quickly. He always seems to make an impact for us. He's the type of guy as a captain he's an asset to have. You can throw him the ball and you know he'll make a play for you somewhere during the Test match.
"When he gets that bit between his teeth you really start to see things happening."
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat on a pitch which appeared to have a good covering of grass, which proved to help the bowlers in the early stages of the match.
South Africa fielded the team that won the third and final Test against Australia in Perth last month, when they confirmed their ranking as the number one team in the world.
Eighth-ranked New Zealand were led for the first time in a Test match by Brendon McCullum. The Kiwis have been hit by injuries and the withdrawal of former captain and star batsman Ross Taylor.
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