Colin de Grandhomme scored his second international century before South Africa stretched their lead to 211 runs to leave the second Test delicately poised at stumps on day three
Match Report:
ScorecardKiwi bowlers strike early blows after de Grandhomme ton
South Africa have pushed their lead over New Zealand to 211 runs but lost five wickets in the process to leave the second Test delicately poised at stumps on day three in Christchurch.
Fiery Black Caps paceman Neil Wagner had Rassie van der Dussen caught and bowled for 45 and Temba Bavuma caught in close for 23 after tea at Hagley Oval, but South Africa dug in to be 5-140 in their second innings at the close of play on Sunday.
Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne was 22 not out and allrounder Wiaan Mulder on 10, the pair having combined for a steadying 36-run partnership to boost the Proteas' chances of batting New Zealand out of the game.
Earlier, New Zealand made 293 in reply to the Proteas' first innings of 364 and then sliced through their top order to restrict South Africa to 3-42 at tea.
Tim Southee trapped opener Sarel Erwee lbw for eight, then had South Africa captain Dean Elgar caught behind for 13.
Matt Henry sent a chill through South Africa late in the middle session as he bowled number three Aiden Markram for 14.
Image Id: 97B2F42FBFE34CFDB6FFD0F4B418C104 Image Caption: Colin de Grandhomme brought up his second Test century on day three against South Africa // Getty
That New Zealand remain in the game is credit to allrounder Colin de Grandhomme, who held on for a defiant, unbeaten century, which was just his second in Test and international cricket.
He strolled off with 120 not out, having anchored a 133-run stand with Daryl Mitchell after they came together with their team in peril at 5-91 on day two.
De Grandhomme survived a nervous period in the 90s before hitting spinner Keshav Maharaj for three shortly before lunch to bring up his century.
Maharaj finally broke their partnership by trapping Mitchell lbw for 60.
De Grandhomme and Neil Wagner (21) put the pressure back on South Africa with a swashbuckling 38-run partnership until Wagner was caught slogging Kagiso Rabada to fine leg.
Rabada finished with 5-60 to top South Africa's bowling.
New Zealand, who thrashed the Proteas by an innings and 276 runs in the first meeting in Christchurch last week, need to only draw the match to claim their first ever series win over South Africa.
Victory, however, would see the Black Caps dislodge Australia as the world's No.1 ranked Test side, while also shoring up their World Test Championship defence with maximum points.