Bavuma and de Kock gives South Africa crucial lead

Wellington: Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma fell short of the centuries they probably deserved but drove South Africa to 349 for nine, a first innings lead of 81, at the close of play on the second day of the second test against New Zealand on Friday.

De Kock was dismissed for 91 when he chased a wide Jimmy Neesham delivery and was caught behind to end the 160-run partnership with Bavuma that had rescued the Proteas following a rocky opening session.

Neesham then snapped up Bavuma for 89 in the deep off Neil Wagner after he and Vernon Philander, who ended the day on 36 not out, had taken the visitors past New Zealand's 268.

The hosts were again frustrated when last man Morne Morkel (31) dominated an unbroken 47-run partnership with Philander, and received a barrage of short deliveries for his troubles with one from Tim Southee striking him in the helmet.

After taking four wickets in the first session and reducing the Proteas to 94 for six just before lunch, New Zealand had high hopes of taking a significant first innings lead.

The Proteas had resumed the day on 24 for two and were immediately under pressure with nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada bowled by Southee for nine in the second over of the day.

Brief scores
New Zealand - 268 (Nicholls 118, Duminy 4-47)
South Africa - 349 for 9 (De Kock 91, Bavuma 89, de Grandhomme 3-33)
Status - South Africa lead by 81 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

SA finishes as No. 2 after Hamilton Test is drawn [+]

On Tuesday, India had retained the mace and pocketed $1 million following its 2-1 series win over Australia.

Rain forces New Zealand-South Africa Test draw [+]

The final day of the deciding third Test between New Zealand and South Africa was abandoned because and the Proteas win series 1-0.

NZ seize command after SA collapse [+]

South Africa were 80 for five at stumps in their second innings after 175-run deficit on day four of the series-deciding third Test in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Williamson ton drives New Zealand into lead [+]

Williamson equalled the Kiwis record for test centuries as his side reached 321 for four at the close of day three of the third test against South Africa in Hamilton on Monday.

New Zealand solid after de Kock lifts South Africa to 314 [+]

A solid start from New Zealand to finish the day on a high and snatch the advantage even, after de Kock had rallied along with the lower order to take South Africa to 314.

New Zealand Edge Before Rain Force Early Close [+]

South Africa were 123 for four at stumps on a rain-shortened first day of the third Test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday.

Kiwis face Proteas without Key Players [+]

Quinton de Kock fit to play in deciding third Test, but New Zealand will be without Boult, Southee and Taylor.

Maharaj six-for gives SA 1-0 lead [+]

Keshav Maharaj took a career best six wickets as South Africa beat New Zealand by eight wicket and go 1-0 up.

Bavuma and de Kock gives South Africa crucial lead [+]

Bavuma, de Kock fall just short of centuries but South Africa takes 81-run lead at stump on second day.

New Zealand fightback after posted 268 [+]

The Blackcaps take two late wickets to continue fightback after Nicholls ton takes hosts to 268.