South Africa’s call to bat first after the 1st test blunder was definitely a bold call to make, but the tourists’ 238 for three at stumps proved it was the right call to make. Sarel Erwee’s maiden century with 108 runs and 42 from Aiden Markram and 41 from Dean Elgar paved the way for South Africa’s comeback. New Zealand had scalped just one wicket by tea time leaving South Africa at 163 runs but claimed two more in the latter session.
Erwee’s 111 runs partnership with Elgar and the 88 runs with Markram could be the winning partnership for Proteas as they hope to still save the two-match Test series. New ball bowlers Tim Southee and Matt Henry could not curtail a determined South Africa.