Stunning Verreynne century puts Proteas within touching distance of epic NZ win

Kyle Verreynne's maiden Test ton was at the heart of South Africa's impressive day four showing as they held New Zealand down to 94/4 in the second Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday.

The Black Caps require a further 332 runs to win and with the target beyond the highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket, it remains to be seen whether the hosts will muster up the required courage to bat out the day.

Kagiso Rabada (2/17) removed openers Will Young (0) and Tom Latham (1) to leave New Zealand 6/2 after two overs.

Devon Conway (60*) was dropped by Proteas skipper Dean Elgar at silly point in the last over of the day off Keshav Maharaj (2/32), but the left-arm spinner castled Henry Nicholls (7) and Daryl Mitchell (24).

New Zealand's dire position, a 360-degree role reversal from their first Test success, was because of an unexpectedly sparkling maiden century from Verreynne, whose technique, especially when facing Matt Henry (2/81), came under intense scrutiny.

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

With South Africa resuming on 140/5, a delicate balance of attack and defence had to be struck. The exuberance of youth from Verreynne (136*) and Mulder (35) meant they went for the offensive despite the iffy nature of SA's tail.

It was a move that paid off as the first hour saw SA make 52 runs for the loss of Mulder, who was brilliantly caught behind by Tom Blundell off Kyle Jamieson (2/81).

Verreynne was on 48 at the time and proceeded to his first Test 50 off 97 balls, but with SA slowing down slightly to 232/7 at lunch, Verreynne also moved himself to 76 for the loss of Marco Jansen (9).

Jansen was the victim of an otherworldly catch by Will Young at deep midwicket. The opener clung