NZ vs SA 2nd Test | New Zealand 157-5 in reply to South Africa's 364

Colin de Grandhomme struck an unbeaten half century from 36 balls

The tail wagged, then Kagiso Rabada knocked the top off New Zealand's order as South Africa asserted itself on the second day of the second test Saturday in a reversal of form after its crushing first-test defeat.

New Zealand was 157-5 at stumps in reply to the Proteas' solid first innings of 364 which was inflated by a 62-run ninth wicket partnership between Keshan Maharaj and Marco Jansen.

Colin de Grandhomme struck an unbeaten half century from 36 balls, then blocked out several overs to be 54 not out when play ended. Daryl Mitchell was 29 not out in an unbroken partnership of 66 for New Zealand's sixth wicket.

The second day belonged to South Africa, though the first session and the last hour of the day didn't. South Africa resumed its first innings at 238-3 after gaining the upper hand on the first day but New Zealand took 4-60 before lunch to re-balance the match.

South Africa regained the upper hand when Jansen made 37 and Maharaj 36 in a partnership which lifted it to 364, better than par after it had chosen to bat on winning the toss. The Proteas were bowled out for 95 and 111 at the same venue, Hagley Oval, in the first test.

Their decision to bat was a declaration of confidence in themselves and their first innings effort was a good one, led by Sarel Erwee's maiden test century.