Proteas in charge after thrilling second day's play against New Zealand

Brief scores:

Day 2 of 5: Stumps

South Africa 364

New Zealand 157/5

Johannesburg - South Africa finally gained some control in this two-match series on Saturday, thanks to a lively ninth wicket partnership between Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj followed up by a bruising spell from Kagiso Rabada that knocked out New Zealand’s top order.

Play ebbed and flowed throughout the day, with the Black Caps in charge early, South Africa then counter-attacking as the tail wagged, Rabada’s charge with the new ball and then Colin de Grandhomme thumping some big blows in the final hour.

After the hosts had slumped to 91/5, De Grandhomme and Daryl Mitchell reverted the pressure with an as yet unbeaten 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Mitchell contributed just 12 runs, but played the perfect support role as De Grandhomme took over. New Zealand still trail by 207 runs.

South Africa allowed the home team to seize the initiative in the first session, by not playing in the same assertive manner as the top order had done on the opening day. Temba Bavuma was bowled for 29 by an accidental yorker from Matt Henry as he attempted a loose drive, half an hour into the day’s play. It was the first of half a dozen bizarre dismissal shared between the two sides at an overcast Hagley Oval.

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Rassie van der Dussen scratched around, to make 35 but never looked comfortable and then got out, attempting to drive a wide half volley from Neil Wagner, and hitting the ground with his bat at the same time as he edged the ball to Mitchell at slip.

With Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder also making minimal contributions South Africa lost four wickets in the