The series clean sweep against Zimbabwe has proved good preparation for the New Zealand cricketers ahead of a much tougher task in South Africa, says skipper Kane Williamson.
Zimbabwe, the lowest ranked Test nation, folded on Wednesday's final day of the second Test in Bulawayo to hand New Zealand a comprehensive 254-run victory - helped by a surprise three-wicket haul to opening batsman Martin Guptill.
Their first innings of 582-4 declared, including centuries from Tom Latham, Williamson and Ross Taylor, meant they always controlled the game on a lifeless pitch - despite first innings defiance from Zimbabwe.
Williamson labelled his side's effort "a fantastic effort" as they wrapped up the two-match series 2-0.
It was a good toss to win, he said.
"We could that tell the wicket looked like it was deteriorating. It was a little bit slower than the first surface and it was breaking up."
Legspinner Ish Sodhi took seven wickets in the match and his 3-19 in the second innings was matched by Guptill's career best figures of 3-11.
"I thought maybe he'd been practising a bit when no one's been watching because we don't see him bowl too much in the nets," Williamson said.
"The wicket was suited to it but to be able to put the ball in a consistent area and spin it hard, as a part-time offie is something that's fantastic to see."
Williamson said he had expected more fight from Zimbabwe following the innings and 117-run defeat inside four days in the first Test.
"They certainly showed it again in the first innings where they made us work very hard to take the first 10 wickets... they certainly showed huge signs of improvement, which is a big positive for them."
The Zimbabwe series had proved a good work out for the seamers and spinners and the batsmen got a lot of time in the middle.
Senior batsman Ross Taylor showed his class by scoring 364 runs in three unbeaten innings, including two centuries, Williamson said.
"We knew that when it was our opportunity to bat big runs had to be scored to give our spinners and bowlers a lot of overs.
"He was a huge part of that, and not to be dismissed in the series... maybe he's in that space."
The Black Caps will now take a different approach and preparation for the stronger South Africa, with the first of two Tests starting in Durban on Friday next week.
"It's not starting afresh, but it's looking at what's coming up and preparing accordingly," Williamson said.
The last time New Zealand played a series in South Africa they were well beaten 2-0, including being bowled out for 45 in the first innings of the first Test at Cape Town.
