Rachin Ravindra struck a majestic double century before South Africa‘s top order collapsed on Monday, leaving New Zealand in command of the first Test, New Zealand vs South Africa, 2024 in Mount Maunganui.
Ravindra crafted a career best 240 as the home side were dismissed for 511, before the tourists’ inexperience was exposed as they were reduced to 80-4 at stumps on day two.
A Proteas team featuring six players new to international cricket will resume on Tuesday facing a deficit of 431 runs, after four wickets tumbled in the space of 14 overs late at Bay Oval.
Seamer Kyle Jamieson took 2-21 and could have had a third if Matt Henry had held a chance in the outfield to remove David Bedingham.
Instead, Dedingham was unbeaten on 29 at stumps, alongside Keegan Petersen on two.
Ravindra’s 366-ball knock was a dramatic turnaround in the longest format, after having never scored more than 18 in six previous Test innings.
He had been selected as an all-rounder in his three Tests.
Brief scores: New Zealand (o/h 258/2) 511 in 144 overs (Williamson 118, Ravindra 240, Phillips 39; Brand 6-119, De Swardt 2-61) vs South Africa 80/4 in 28 overs (Bedingham 29*; Jamieson 2-21).