David Bedingham scored his maiden test century as South Africa handed New Zealand a victory target of 267 on a tricky pitch on the third day of the second and final test at Hamilton's Seddon Park on Thursday.
Bedingham's 110, mostly scored in a 98-run partnership with Keegan Petersen for the fifth wicket, drove the inexperienced Proteas to 235 all out to give them a fighting chance of levelling up the series at 1-1.
New Zealand openers chipped 40 runs off the target in the last hour but Devon Conway was dismissed lbw for 17 by spinner Dane Piedt in the final over of the day.
Conway's fellow opener Tom Latham will resume on 21 not out on Friday as the Black Caps look for the 227 runs they need to secure a first series win over South Africa in 72 years of trying.
Debutant paceman Will O'Rourke, the only New Zealander with less experience than most of the South Africans, took five for 34 as the last six Proteas wickets fell for 33 runs but the day belonged to Bedingham.
The 29-year-old made his debut in the two-match series against India over New Year but was one of only two players to back up in New Zealand as Cricket South Africa preferred to keep the cream of their talent at home for the SA20 tournament.
Thrashed by 281 runs in the first test last week, South Africa had bowled brilliantly on Wednesday to take a first-innings lead of 31 runs but New Zealand had them wobbling on 88-3 at lunch.
All-rounder Rachin Ravindra ensured that Clyde Fortuin's miserable series with the bat continued, while O'Rourke got the rewards for some fine bowling with the wickets of Raynard van Tonder and skipper Neil Brand (34).
Veteran South African-born seamer Neil Wagner finally got his chance with the ball after the break and made an
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