Proteas comeback still on as series-deciding 2nd Test hangs in the balance

The second Test between South Africa and New Zealand is heading to an exciting conclusion after the visitors ended the third day on 140/5 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday.

It gave them a lead of 211 after they bowled the hosts out for 293 in the afternoon session, but with SA's top five already in the hut, the Test is in the balance.

Colin de Grandhomme's excellent second Test 100 that he turned into an unbeaten 120 was the big play from the hosts, while Kagiso Rabada (5/60) kept the Proteas afloat with his 12th Test five-wicket haul.

SCORECARD | New Zealand v South Africa, Second Test, Day Three

SA's hopes of setting a competitive fourth innings target now hinge on Kyle Verreynne (22*) and Wiaan Mulder (10*), who aren't just battling for the team, but for their places in the team.

That SA has been able to stay in the fight in this game is in stark contrast to their meek first Test surrender, but New Zealand always served reminders as to why they're the best Test side in the world.

The loss of the five wickets to a mix of excellent deliveries and needless shots in their second innings put SA in an unnecessarily difficult position.

Sarel Erwee (8) and Dean Elgar (13) were removed by beautiful deliveries from Tim Southee (2/28) that moved in and away respectively to hit the pads and collect the edges respectively to leave SA hanging at 23/2 in the 11th over.

The under-fire Aiden Markram (14) had his stumps disturbed by Matt Henry (1/25) seven overs later to make 38/3 a precarious position.

Rassie van der Dussen (45) and Temba Bavuma (23) stitched together a 65-run stand that drew the sting from New Zealand's bowling.

However, this brought the passionate and effervescent Neil Wagner (2/44) into the piece.

In a hi-octane