2nd Test: Verreynne, Rabada and spin have South Africa eyeing victory over New Zealand

Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada and the spin of Keshav Maharaj had South Africa eyeing victory over New Zealand at stumps on day four of the second Test in Christchurch on Monday. New Zealand, set an imposing record target of 426, were 94 for four with Devon Conway on 60 and Tom Blundell on one. South Africa had declared their second innings at 354 for nine with Verreynne not out 136 his maiden Test century.

The existing record for the highest successful fourth innings is 418 by the West Indies against Australia 19 years ago and New Zealand started as if they thought it was within reach. Tom Latham scampered for a cheeky single off the first ball to show intent but Rabada had other ideas. Following his five-wicket haul in the first innings, and a rollicking 47 with the bat, he removed Will Young for nought with his third ball.

At the start of his second over he dismissed Latham for one and New Zealand were two for six. It ended a disappointing Test for the New Zealand openers who managed only four runs between them across the two innings. Left-arm spinner Maharaj, South Africa's point of difference to New Zealand's all pace attack, showed there was turn on the wicket and bowled Henry Nicholls for seven and Daryl Mitchell for 24.

When South Africa captain Dean Elgar elected to bat first -- the first captain to win the toss at Hagley Oval and not bowl -- he said he wanted his batsmen to "front up" after innings of 95 and 111 in their first Test thrashing. Sarel Erwee obliged with a century in the first innings and it was Verreynne's turn in the second. The 24-year-old, with a best score of 30 from his previous five Tests, anchored South Africa's second innings revival when they were 91 for five.