Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma played crucial knocks to help not only South Africa recover but be in the driver's seat after second day's play in the second Test of the three-match series against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve here on Friday.
The pair rescued Proteas from a seemingly dis-comfortable position by adding 160 together for the seventh wicket on Day Two, and along with the tail, and thus ensured their team secure a lead of 81.
At Stumps, South Africa were 349-9 with Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel batting at the crease on 36 and 31 respectively.
De Kock top-scored with a free-flowing knock of 91 off 118 balls which included 10 fours and 3 sixes), while Bavuma recorded his highest score since his maiden century against England at Cape Town last year after making an invaluable 89 off 160 balls. His innings included 9 boundaries.
Though both the batsmen missed out on their centuries and giving their wickets away after playing poor strokes, du Plessis will surely be proud of their efforts which helped their team bail out of trouble.
While the pair batted superbly, the Black Caps will be wondering how things moved away from their grasp after they had managed to rumble the top order during the morning session.
Colin de Grandhomme, who finished with 3 for 52, claimed the key wickets of Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis while Neil Wagner took the priced scalp of JP Duminy.
However, with the last four wickets amassing 255 runs from 65 overs, things have got a bit away from the hosts.
Earlier, New Zealand were bundled out for 268 runs in their first innings.
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