NZ vs SA Ball by Ball Commentary

3:18 AM IST Right then! That is it from this Test match as well as the series. Both teams share the trophy and now pose for the cameras. The cricketing action does not stop here as we have a lot of exciting action coming up as India take on Sri Lanka, while Australia will take on Pakistan in their respective Test series. The Women's World Cup, 2022 is also around the corner, so get ready for an exciting month ahead. We look forward to your company for all the games. Until then, take care and goodbye!

3:19 AM IST Dean Elgar, the skipper of South Africa, says that they wanted to take a bold decision of batting first and they are very happy with the result. Tells that after having lost the previous game, they wanted to make a strong comeback and he is very happy with the kind of character that his team showed in this Test. Says that they didn't do their basics right in the first Test and were eager to correct their mistakes this time around. Tells that they have some talented young players in their ranks and they will be looking to build a strong team going forward.

3:20 AM IST Tom Latham, the skipper of New Zealand, says that this is not the outcome they were looking for. Says that they were not able to build enough partnerships and weren't able to put a good first innings score. Tells that the game was in the balance for the majority of the match but the key moments didn't go their way. Adds that they knew South Africa were going to be at their best. Says that regardless of the conditions, they try to do better. Ends by thanking the South African team for coming to New Zealand.

3:21 AM IST Kagiso Rabada is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. He says that it is never easy playing against New Zealand and says that when one plays, one needs to get the job done. Tells that they have been in such situations before. Adds that New Zealand were too good in the first Test but they had to win this one to make it 1-1. Informs that as a pacer, he would love to bowl on the wicket that was used in the first Test. Says that the lower order needed to step up with the bat and that's what they did. On Jamieson's catch, he says that it was a last-second decision to go for it and he is glad that he pulled it off.

3:22 AM IST Matt Henry is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES. He says that South Africa outplayed them in this match and they deserve to win. Adds that they fought hard but the South Africans were too good for them. Tells that he takes his batting very seriously and he enjoys batting out in the middle. Mentions that they wanted to take it ball-by-ball during the chase but failed to do so.

3:29 AM IST Stay tuned for the presentation...

3:22 AM IST Keshav Maharaj is up for a quick chat. He says that it was nice to take the last wicket and end the proceedings. Mentions that the coaching staff put faith in him and thanks them for supporting him and giving him the opportunity. Adds that luckily the rain gods were on their side and managed to get them back on the field. Says that he just keeps bowling and bowling when he is not playing and tries to follow a routine. Informs that the coaches have been working with him in the nets and on the various aspects of his game

3:27 AM IST South Africa's second innings saw their wicketkeeper, Kyle Verreynne scoring his maiden Test hundred and Verreynne along with Rabada and Mulder made sure that New Zealand chase a mammoth total in the final innings. Well, chasing 426 runs was always going to be a tough ask and the Kiwis didn't get off to a good start either. Devon Conway and Tom Blundell dug in deep but they too perished at a crucial juncture in the game and then it was just a matter of time before they were bowled out. The lower order batters did show some fight but surviving the day was always going to be a huge challenge. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj took three wickets apiece in the final innings and that ended New Zealand's hopes of winning a Test series against South Africa.

3:24 AM IST Earlier in the Test, it were the South African batters that set the tone for them as their opener Sarel Erwee notched up his maiden Test hundred. He was well-supported by the other batters which ensured that South Africa put on a good first innings total. Then with the ball, it was Kagiso Rabada who grabbed a five-wicket haul and apart from Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme who brought up his second Test hundred, no other New Zealand batter looked promising, and as a result, South Africa got a healthy lead of 71 runs in the first innings.

2:47 AM IST What a comeback this has been from the Proteas after suffering a thumping defeat in the first Test. South Africa have managed to draw the series 1-1 and they are yet to lose a Test series against the Kiwis. It has been a complete team performance from them and they deserve to win this Test. New Zealand would be disappointed with the way they went about things in this Test, especially after a comprehensive win in the previous match but they have been completely outplayed by the tourists in the second Test.

2:43 AM IST OUT! LBW! Keshav Maharaj ends the proceedings. Took a little longer than what they would have wanted but doesn't matter as they have won this Test. Flatter and quicker, on middle and leg, coming in with the angle. Matt Henry presses forward and looks to block but misses. He gets pinged on the front pad. Keshav Maharaj turns and appeals. The umpire raises his dreaded finger. Matt Henry does go for the review. The UltraEdge shows a flat line and the Ball Tracker shows all three reds. The on-field decision stands. Celebrations all around as South Africa win by 198 runs!

2:44 AM IST Review! Matt Henry has opted for a review after being adjudged LBW! That did look plumb to the naked eye! Yes, it is. The Ball Tracker indicates three reds and New Zealand are bowled out.

2:42 AM IST Full and on middle, blocked out.

2:42 AM IST Floats it up, on middle. Henry keeps it out.

2:42 AM IST Loopy ball, on leg. Matt Henry pads it away. South Africa make a huge appeal for an lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

2:41 AM IST Tossed up, on middle. Matt Henry lunges forward and blocks it out.

2:41 AM IST Who will bowl from the other end? Keshav Maharaj it is.

2:39 AM IST Fuller this time, outside off. Wagner pushes it towards covers.

2:39 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Neil Wagner stays solid in his defence.

2:38 AM IST Short ball, on middle. Wagner ducks underneath.

2:38 AM IST Short of a length, outside off. Neil Wagner taps it to point.

2:38 AM IST The players have made their way out in the middle. Neil Wagner and Matt Henry are at the crease. Kagiso Rabada to complete his over. Here we go...

2:35 AM IST UPDATE - 8.05 am IST (2.35 am GMT) - Good news for South Africa and their fans as the covers have started to come off and it looks like it was just a passing shower. The play should resume after the Tea break unless the raingods have some other plans.

2:29 AM IST South Africa are just one wicket away from a victory now and it is just a matter of time before they get that! New Zealand's batters have worked hard but the bowling from the Proteas has been equally good. New Zealand headed into the Lunch break at the loss of Conway's wicket but it looked like it would take long for the South African bowlers to get the remaining wickets. However, they got success immediately after the break before it evaded them as Colin de Grandhomme was dropped. But Marco Jansen came in from the other end and kept bowling short. His ploy worked as Blundell and Colin de Grandhomme fell prey to it and then Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee too followed them. South Africa are on the cusp of winning this Test and levelling the series but will have to wait a little longer. They will hope that the rain vanishes quickly and they wrap things up in the final session.

2:24 AM IST UPDATE - 7.45 am IST (2.15 am GMT) - All of a sudden, it has started to rain heavily and the umpires ask the players to walk off the field. The South Africa players do not want to leave the field and are standing disappointed while the New Zealand batters quickly start running towards the pavilion. Covers have come on now and also, early Tea has been taken!

2:16 AM IST Back of a lengh, on off. Wagner keeps it out.

2:16 AM IST Short stuff continues! Short and on off, Wagner negotiates with it well.

2:16 AM IST Kagiso Rabada (18-4-46-3) comes back to bowl.

2:15 AM IST Tossed up, on middle. Defended out.

2:14 AM IST On middle, pushed back to the bowler.

2:14 AM IST Loopy ball, on off. Henry keeps it out.

2:14 AM IST Floats it up, on middle. Matt Henry defends it out.

2:14 AM IST Full again, on leg. Once again, it is pushed to mid on.

2:13 AM IST Full, on the pads. Pushed to mid on.

2:12 AM IST Shortish again, on leg. Wagner misses his flick and gets hit on the hips.

2:11 AM IST Length ball, Wagner works it to short leg.

2:11 AM IST On leg, Wagner misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

2:10 AM IST Absolute beauty! Bangs a bouncer, on middle. Neil Wagner drops his hands and gets hit on the shoulders.

2:10 AM IST Wagner leaves this one alone as it is going down the leg side.

2:09 AM IST Short of a length again, outside off. Wagner dabs the ball to covers.

2:08 AM IST Shortish again, outside off. Wagner punches it through covers for a single.

2:07 AM IST Too short, on middle. Wagner leaves it alone.

2:07 AM IST Review! Dean Elgar opts for a review for caught behind! The UltraEdge shows no spike on it and the on-field decision remains.

2:06 AM IST NOT OUT! Short ball, from 'round the wicket, on middle. Neil Wagner takes his eyes off the ball and lets it go with his bat hanging up. There was a noise heard and South Africa opt for a review as the umpire says no. But UltraEdge shows a flat line as the ball passes the bat. The original decision stands and South Africa don't have any reviews left.

2:04 AM IST Short ball, on off. Wagner hops and fends it away to the off side.

2:04 AM IST On a length, on off. Wagner defends it to point.

2:03 AM IST Good-length ball, outside off. Wagner pushes it to cover.

2:02 AM IST A bouncer, on middle. Henry ducks under it.

2:02 AM IST Short of a length, on off. Matt Henry stands up on his toes and blocks it onto the deck.

2:01 AM IST On off, defended out.

2:00 AM IST Length ball, around off. Pushed to point.

2:00 AM IST On a good length, on off. Henry pushes it to point.

1:59 AM IST Short ball, on middle. Matt Henry sways away. He shows his back to the ball and takes a blow.

1:59 AM IST Good-length ball, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.

1:58 AM IST Good-length ball, on off. Wagner blocks it out.

1:57 AM IST On a length, outside off. Wagner taps it to point.

1:57 AM IST Short of a length, on middle. Neil Wagner blocks it out to the off side.

1:56 AM IST On a good length, outside off. Kept out.

1:56 AM IST FOUR! Lovely shot! Length ball, outside off. Neil Wagner drives it uppishly, just over extra cover for a boundary.

1:55 AM IST Another short ball, going down leg. Easy leave for Henry.

1:54 AM IST A nasty bouncer, on middle. Matt Henry takes his eyes off the ball and somehow defends it out.

1:53 AM IST Short and going down leg. Left alone.

1:53 AM IST Short ball, around off, the ball takes off after pitching. Matt Henry leaves it alone. Lovely leaping take by Verreynne.

1:52 AM IST Sprays this one down leg, left alone.

1:52 AM IST Short of a length, on middle. Henry keeps it out.

1:51 AM IST On a length, outside off. Neil Wagner pushes it to cover.

1:50 AM IST Bangs a bouncer, on leg. Neil Wagner sways away from the line and lets it go.

1:50 AM IST Fuller, on off. Wagner drives it through covers for a brace.

1:49 AM IST Matt Henry is the last man in.

1:48 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada comes back into the attack and has done exactly what his skipper had asked. Bowls a short-of-a-length delivery, on leg. Tim Southee stays deep and miscues his heave. Gets a top edge and the ball lobs high in the air towards mid-wicket. Lutho Sipamla keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a fine catch. South Africa need just one wicket now to win this Test.

1:47 AM IST Short of a length, on leg. Tim Southee looks to work it on the leg side but he misses. He gets hit on the thigh pad.

1:47 AM IST FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball, outside off. Tim Southee sits back and nicely ramps it to third man for a boundary.

1:46 AM IST Drinks! South Africa have been all over New Zealand after the Lunch break and the ploy of bowling short has worked wonders for them. Time is on their side and they only need two wickets to level the series while Tim Southee and Neil Wagner would only look to take the game as deep as they can.

1:43 AM IST Back of a length, outside off. Neil Wagner lets it through to the keeper.

1:43 AM IST South Africa take a review for caught behind. There was some sound there. What does the UltraEdge say? It shows a flat line so the original decision was correct. South Africa lose a review.

1:42 AM IST NOT OUT! Neil Wagner SURVIVES! Jansen serves another bouncer around middle. Neil Wagner tries to block it but he misses and there was some noise as the ball passed his bat. Marco Jansen appeals but the umpire says no! Dean Elgar opts for a review and the UlraEdge shows that there was no bat involved so the on-field decision remains.

1:40 AM IST A short ball, on leg. Tim Southee nudges it behind square on the leg side and rotates the strike.

1:39 AM IST Jansen goes full this time, outside off. Southee drags it back past the bowler towards long on for a couple of runs.

1:39 AM IST Shorter in length, on leg. Tim Southee swivels and tucks it towards the leg gully fielder.

1:38 AM IST A short ball, around leg. Neil Wagner dabs it awkwardly behind square on the leg side for a run.

1:37 AM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Tim Southee chips it just over the cover fielder and takes a couple of runs.

1:37 AM IST Flatter ball, on middle. Tim Southee skips down to slog but he gets an inside edge onto his pad.

1:36 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Tim Southee defends it off the front foot.

1:36 AM IST Floated, full and outside off. Tim Southee chips it over the cover fielder and collects a couple of runs.

1:35 AM IST Slower through the air, on middle. Tim Southee rocks back to pull but it goes off the inside edge just past the leg stump.

1:35 AM IST FOUR! Good use of the feet! Tossed up, on middle. Tim Southee skips down the track and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

1:34 AM IST Another ball, banged into the surface, around leg. Neil Wagner hops in his crease and dabs it to his right.

1:33 AM IST Jansen comes 'round the wicket and serves it on a length, around middle. Neil Wagner keeps it out.

1:32 AM IST A short ball, around leg. Tim Southee pulls it behind square on the leg side and takes a single.

1:31 AM IST Back of a length, angling across the batter. Tim Southee lets it sail through to the keeper.

1:31 AM IST Shorter in length, around off. Tim Southee blocks it off the back foot.

1:31 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Tim Southee dabs it onto the deck.

1:30 AM IST Floated, on a length, outside off. Neil Wagner looks to defend but he misses as the ball goes past his blade.

1:29 AM IST Full and on middle. Neil Wagner keeps it out.

1:29 AM IST Slower through the air, outside off. Neil Wagner looks to push it through cover but it goes off the outside edge past the slip fielder and the batters take two runs.

1:28 AM IST BEATEN! Tosses it up, outside off. Neil Wagner looks for a booming drive but the ball beats his outside edge.

1:28 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Neil Wagner hangs back to defend it.

1:28 AM IST Flatter ball, on off. Neil Wagner keeps it out.

1:27 AM IST Another ball, shorter in length, on middle. Tim Southee defends it with soft hands.

1:26 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Tim Southee keeps it out.

1:26 AM IST Short and going down leg, Tim Southee looks to pull but misses.

1:24 AM IST Neil Wagner comes out to bat now.

1:24 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! Kyle Jamieson holes out! Banged into the deck, on middle. Kyle Jamieson stands tall and looks to whack it over deep square leg. It goes off the top edge, in the air towards the deep square leg fielder where Kagiso Rabada takes a good catch running forward.

1:23 AM IST FOUR! A bumper, around off. Kyle Jamieson looks to heave it away but it goes off the top edge and flies over the slip cordon for a boundary.

1:22 AM IST DROPPED! Oh dear! How did that go down? Jansen serves a short ball, on midde. Kyle Jamieson hangs back and looks to block. It hits the splice of his bat and pops out in front of him. Jansen goes for it and the fielder at silly point also looks to grab it. In the end, they both collide and none of them manage to gather the ball.

1:22 AM IST The second new ball is now due. Will South Africa take it straightaway? Yes, they do!

1:20 AM IST Flatter one, angling in, Southee is hit on the pads but that was going down.

1:20 AM IST Tossed up, on middle. Tim Southee skips down and hits it back to the bowler.

1:20 AM IST A yorker, on leg. Kyle Jamieson brings his bat down a little late. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single.

1:19 AM IST On the pads, blocked out.

1:18 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.

1:18 AM IST Loopy ball, on middle. Kyle Jamieson defends it out.

1:18 AM IST This is tucked to fine leg by Jamieson for a single.

1:17 AM IST Southee gets off the mark after facing 20 balls! Fuller in length, Southee drives it towards covers for a single.

1:16 AM IST Bangs a bouncer, on middle. Southee ducks underneath.

1:16 AM IST Back of a length yet again, on leg. Southee fends it away.

1:15 AM IST Short of a length again, on middle. Southee keeps blocking it out.

1:14 AM IST Short of a length, on middle. Blocked out from the crease.

1:14 AM IST Flatter ball, on off. Kyle stays solid in his defence.

1:13 AM IST Fuller, on off. Defended back to the bowler.

1:13 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on off. Kyle Jamieson works it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

1:13 AM IST FOUR! Up and over! Loopy ball, on leg. Kyle Jamieson advances down the track and lifts it over mid on for a boundary.

1:12 AM IST Full and on middle, kept out.

1:12 AM IST Tossed up, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.

1:11 AM IST Short ball, on middle. Tim Southee negotiates with it nicely by blocking it on the leg side.

1:11 AM IST And again! Another bouncer, on leg. Tim Southee sways away from the line and lets it go.

1:10 AM IST A bumper, on middle. Tim Southee sits under it.

1:09 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Tim Southee blocks it out.

1:09 AM IST Short ball again, on off. Tim Southee fends it away on the off side.

1:08 AM IST Short of a length, on leg. Kyle Jamieson hops and works it to square leg for one.

1:08 AM IST sliding on to the pads, Southee misses the tuck into the leg side.

1:07 AM IST Flatter ball, on middle. Pushed back to the bowler.

1:07 AM IST On the pads, nudged on the leg side.

1:06 AM IST Full, on middle. Southee defends it out.

1:06 AM IST Loopy ball, on leg. Tim Southee looks to play on th leg side but gets hit on the pads. Muted appeal for an lbw but it was goign down leg.

1:05 AM IST Floats it up, on leg. Kyle Jamieson clips it to square leg for a single.

1:04 AM IST Another shorter length delivery, around middle. Tim Southee hops in his crease and defends it with soft hands.

1:04 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Tim Southee hangs back and defends it.

1:03 AM IST Shorter in length, on off. Tim Southee blocks it out.

1:03 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Tim Southee blocks it out.

1:02 AM IST A well-directed bumper, on middle. Tim Southee looks to dab it down but it hits the splice of the bat and luckily for Southee, the ball pops out and flies just over the short leg fielder.

1:01 AM IST The new batter in is Tim Southee.

1:02 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! That is a terrific catch from Mulder at leg gully! A short ball, around leg. Colin de Grandhomme pulls it hard behind square on the leg side but hits it straight to Wiaan Mulder at leg gully who takes a sharp catch. New Zealand slip further!

12:59 AM IST An arm ball, around off. Kyle Jamieson stays back and blocks.

12:58 AM IST Flatter ball, going on with the arm from off. Kyle Verreynne dabs it onto the deck.

12:58 AM IST Tosses it up, on middle. Kyle Jamieson defends it.

12:58 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Kyle Jamieson pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

12:57 AM IST Tosses it up, on off. Colin de Grandhomme skips down the track and eases it to long off for a single.

12:56 AM IST Floated, on a length, around off. Colin de Grandhomme blocks it out.

12:56 AM IST Another bumper, down leg. Kyle Jamieson ducks underneath.

12:55 AM IST A short ball, around middle. Kyle Jamieson looks to block off the back foot but it goes off the splice and lands safely in front of the mid-wicket fielder.

12:54 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Kyle Jamieson tucks it to the leg side.

12:53 AM IST Kyle Jamieson is the new batsman in.

12:53 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! Marco Jansen strikes this time and more importantly, the catch has been taken! Another set batter departs and New Zealand are in deep trouble now! Marco Jansen persists with short-pitched stuff, on off. Tom Blundell is in two minds whether to play or leave. He does the former and miscues it in the air towards mid-wicket where Temba Bavuma takes a simple catch.

12:52 AM IST A short ball, down leg. Colin de Grandhomme pulls it without much timing towards fine leg for a single.

12:51 AM IST A bumper, down leg. Colin de Grandhomme sways away from the line of the ball.

12:50 AM IST Flatter ball, going on with the arm from middle. Tom Blundell hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket.

12:50 AM IST A loopy ball, on middle. Tom Blundell skips down the track and works it to mid-wicket.

12:49 AM IST Floated, around middle. Tom Blundell presses forward to block.

12:49 AM IST Tossed up, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

12:49 AM IST A quicker ball, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme punches it down to long on for a run.

12:50 AM IST DROPPED! Flatter ball, on a length, around off. Colin de Grandhomme looks to sweep but it goes off the top edge, in the air towards short fine leg. Rassie van der Dussen backtracks, misjudges it completely and puts it dwon. Keshav Maharaj can't believe it!

12:47 AM IST Keshav Maharaj to bowl from the other end.

12:47 AM IST A full toss, outside off. Tom Blundell looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of the blade towards backward point.

12:46 AM IST A short ball, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme pulls it along the ground towards fine leg for a single.

12:46 AM IST An overthrow and they get one more! Good-length ball, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme nudges it behind square on the leg side for a single. The fielder there hurls a wayward throw at the striker's end and the batters take one more.

12:45 AM IST On a length, around middle. Colin de Grandhomme blocks it with ease.

12:44 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme keeps it out.

12:43 AM IST Jansen starts with a short ball, around leg. Colin de Grandhomme lets it sail through to the keeper.

12:42 AM IST We are back for the middle session! The players stride out to the middle. Tom Blundell and Colin de Grandhomme jog out to the middle as well. Marco Jansen to start the second session with the ball.

12:14 AM IST ... Day 5, Session 2 ...

12:10 AM IST The Kiwis need 246 runs to win while South Africa require five wickets to level the series. We are in for another intriguing session which could also turn out to be the final one of this Test. Do join us for the post-Lunch session which begins at 6.10 am IST (12.40 am GMT).

12:14 AM IST New Zealand started off well in the first session and it was Tom Blundell who came out with a positive intent of scoring runs. Conway also started to play some shots once he got his eye in and the Kiwis were scoring at a brisk rate. Although, Devon Conway fell short of his hundred and it was Lutho Sipamla who provided South Africa with the much-needed breakthrough. The South African bowlers have had to work hard for their wickets and it is Keshav Maharaj who has been the most impressing of them on this track. Also, the second new ball is due in 10 overs but South Africa would be keen to make the most damage before that.

12:03 AM IST The first session of Day 5 was always going to be crucial and at one point, it seemed like New Zealand would go unscathed into Lunch but the wicket of Conway has certainly turned the tide back in South Africa's favour. They did score 86 runs in the first session but have lost the key wicket of Conway.

12:02 AM IST A low full toss, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme prods and pushes it to long on for a single. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5!

12:01 AM IST On the pads, Colin de Grandhomme is solid in his defence.

12:01 AM IST Short and on middle. blocked out.

12:01 AM IST Floats it up, on leg. Kept out.

12:00 AM IST Quicker one, on the pads. Colin de Grandhomme rocks back and knocks it back to Maharaj.

12:00 AM IST Loopy ball, on middle. Tom Blundell watchfully blocks it out.

11:59 PM IST Full and outside off. Colin de Grandhomme looks to drive but the ball goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

11:58 PM IST Back of a length, outside off. Colin de Grandhomme taps it to the off side.

11:58 PM IST Good-length ball, on top of off. Colin de Grandhomme stands tall and defends it back.

11:57 PM IST An in-angler, on middle. Blundell clips it to square leg for a run.

11:56 PM IST Short of a length again, on off. Tom Blundell blocks it right under his eyes.

11:56 PM IST Short of a length, on off. Tom Blundell gets behind the line and defends it out.

11:56 PM IST Maiden over! Slower through the air, on middle and leg. Colin de Grandhomme gets low and goes for the sweep but misses. He gets thudded on the pads. An appeal for an lbw but the umpire shakes his head.

11:54 PM IST Flighted delivery, on leg. Colin de Grandhomme clears his front leg and flicks it to mid-wicket.

11:53 PM IST Floats it up, on the pads. Colin de Grandhomme defends it off the front foot.

11:53 PM IST Full and on middle, kept out.

11:53 PM IST Tosses it up nicely, on middle. CdG stays solid in his defence.

11:52 PM IST Quicker one, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme pats it back to the bowler.

11:51 PM IST Length ball, on off. Blundell defends it to silly mid on.

11:51 PM IST Full and angling in, on middle. Blundell prods and blocks it out.

11:50 PM IST On a good length, on off. Punched back to the bowler.

11:50 PM IST On the pads, whipped to deep square leg for a single.

11:49 PM IST On a good length, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme defends it out.

11:48 PM IST FOUR! Lovely drive! Touch fuller from Sipamla, on middle. Colin de Grandhomme opens the full face of the bat and drives it past the bowler for a boundary.

11:46 PM IST Full and on the pads, Bundell stays solid in his defence.

11:45 PM IST Quicker delivery, on middle. Tom Blundell lunges forward and blocks it out.

11:45 PM IST Short and on leg, punched to mid on.

11:45 PM IST Fired down leg, Tom Blundell tickles it to past leg slip for a couple of runs.

11:44 PM IST Slower through the air, on middle. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

11:44 PM IST Flighted ball, on leg. Tom Blundell steps out and flicks it to short leg.

11:43 PM IST FOUR! Finds the gap this time! A full ball, outside off. Colin de Grandhomme prods and carves it through the cover region for a boundary.

11:42 PM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Colin de Grandhomme mistimes his drive towards the extra cover fielder.

11:42 PM IST On a length, around off. Colin de Grandhomme blocks it out.

11:42 PM IST An appeal for LBW but the umpire says no! A length ball, jagging back in from middle. Colin de Grandhomme misses his flick and gets hit on his pad. Might have gone down leg.

11:40 PM IST A length ball, outside off. Colin de Grandhomme leaves it alone.

11:40 PM IST Colin de Grandhomme walks out to bat.

11:40 PM IST New Zealand have gone for a review against LBW now. UltraEdgw shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching in line, the impact is in line and it is wickets hitting. The original decision stands. New Zealand burn their review as well.

11:42 PM IST OUT! LBW! Lutho Sipamla gets the big fish and South Africa get the much-needed breakthrough! A brilliant delivery from Sipamla and Conway didn't saw this coming! Sipamla serves a pinpoint yorker, around middle and leg. Conway fails to dig it out and gets hit low on his pad. Sipamla appeals and the umpire agrees. Conway opts for a review after consulting with his partner but the Ball Tracker shows three reds and Conway has to walk back. End of a gritty innings from the southpaw!

11:36 PM IST This is darted on the pads. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

11:35 PM IST Floated, down leg. Tom Blundell tucks it behind square on the leg side for a brace.

11:35 PM IST Tossed up, on middle. Devon Conway sweeps it to backward square leg for a run.

11:34 PM IST South Africa have taken a review for an LBW. Nothing on UltraEdge. Ball Tracking shows that the ball is going over the stumps. The original decision stays. South Africa lose a review.

11:34 PM IST NOT OUT! The extra bounce saves Conway! Maharaj tosses it up, on middle. Conway looks for a reverse-sweep but he misses and gets hit on his pad. Keshav Maharaj appeals but the umpire says no! Dean Elgar opts for a review but the Ball Tracker shows that the ball would have gone over the stumps.

11:32 PM IST FOUR! Nicely done! Another ball, tossed up on middle. Devon Conway kneels and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

11:32 PM IST Tossed up, on off. Devon Conway sweeps but straight towards the short fine leg fielder.

11:31 PM IST An overpitched ball, outside off. Tom Blundell pushes it towards mid off.

11:30 PM IST This is full and wide, outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

11:29 PM IST FOUR! A rare full toss from Sipamla, around off. Tom Blundell drills it back past the bowler through mid off for a boundary.

11:29 PM IST A full ball, well outside off. Tom Blundell lets it be.

11:28 PM IST Full and outside off. Tom Blundell prods and pushes it to cover.

11:27 PM IST A full ball, on middle. Devon Conway clips it behind square on the leg side for a run.

11:25 PM IST Maharaj sees Tom Blundell advancing down the track so he serves a quicker ball, on middle. Tom Blundell dabs it onto the deck towards short leg.

11:25 PM IST A loopy ball, on middle. Tom Blundell skips down the track and works it to mid-wicket.

11:25 PM IST On a length, around middle. Tom Blundell defends it out.

11:24 PM IST Tosses it up, on off. Devon Conway reverse-sweeps it to deep point for a single.

11:24 PM IST Around off, kept out.

11:24 PM IST FOUR! This is served down leg. Devon Conway kneels and sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

11:22 PM IST Short of a length, on middle. Tom Blundell defends it to the on side.

11:22 PM IST FOUR! Lovely shot! Full and outside off. Tom Blundell leans and drives it through the cover-point region for a boundary.

11:21 PM IST A length ball, around leg. Devon Conway flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

11:20 PM IST Short of a length, on middlel. Devon Conway keeps it out.

11:20 PM IST A full ball, angling down leg. Conway misses his flick.

11:19 PM IST A length ball, on middle. Devon Conway dabs it with softs just in front of the short leg fielder.

11:18 PM IST Short and on middle, Blundell defends it to short leg.

11:18 PM IST Loopy ball, down the leg side. Left alone.

11:17 PM IST Full and on middle. Conway reverse-sweeps it to deep point for a single.

11:16 PM IST Floats it up, outside off. Conway looks to sweep but adjusts and in the end, blocks it out.

11:16 PM IST Full and outside off, Conway defends it out.

11:16 PM IST Flatter ball, outside off. Conway is solid in his defence.

11:15 PM IST Full, on middle. Driven to mid on.

11:14 PM IST On middle, kept out.

11:13 PM IST Back of a length, outside off. Conway hops and taps it to point for a quick single.

11:12 PM IST Short of a length, outside off. Punched to wide of mid off for a single.

11:12 PM IST Length ball, on middle and leg. Tom Blundell clips it to mid-wicket.

11:12 PM IST Short of a length, on off. Blundell punches it to the leg side.

11:11 PM IST Flighted delivery, outside off. Swept again behind square on the leg side for a couple.

11:10 PM IST Tosses it up, outside off. Blocked out.

11:10 PM IST Drags his length back, on off. Punched back to the bowler.

11:09 PM IST FOUR! Nicely hit! Full again, outside off. Devon Conway reverse-sweeps it to deep point for a boundary.

11:09 PM IST Full and outside off, Conway reaches out and sweeps it to square leg.

11:08 PM IST Starts with a loopy ball, full and on off. Conway presses forward to block.

11:07 PM IST DRINKS! So the first hour belongs to New Zealand. The pair of Tom Blundell and Devon Conway have done well to play out the first few overs. South Africa have bowled well but their bowlers haven't got much assistance from the surface. Keshav Maharaj holds the key here for South Africa and it is just a matter of time before he would be introduced into the attack. There you go! Keshav Maharaj comes to bowl now.

11:04 PM IST Short of a length, outside off. Tom Blundell stays solid in defence.

11:03 PM IST Back of a length, on off. Blocked out.

11:02 PM IST FOUR! Edgy! Length ball, around off. Tom Blundell prods and looks to defend. The ball goes off the outside edge past the gully fielder for a boundary.

11:02 PM IST Short of a length, outside off. Blundell punches it to covers.

11:01 PM IST Touch fuller, outside off. Tom Blundell taps it to the off side.

11:01 PM IST Fuller, on middle. Tom Blundell drives it to mid on.

11:00 PM IST Sprays this one down the leg side. Conway goes for the pull but misses. Kyle Verreynne dives to his right and collects it. Half an appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire.

10:59 PM IST Full and outside off. Conway prods and watchfully blocks it out.

10:58 PM IST On a good length, outside off. Conway shoulders arms.

10:58 PM IST Slightly fuller around off, Conway presents the full face of his bat and drives it back at Rabada.

10:57 PM IST Length ball, on middle. Conway tucks it to square leg.

10:57 PM IST On a good length, around off. Conway blocks it from the crease.

10:55 PM IST A full ball, outside off. Tom Blundell prods and leaves it alone.

10:55 PM IST On a length, outside off. Tom Blundell lets it be.

10:54 PM IST A full ball, on middle. Devon Conway clips it to the leg side and takes a single.

10:54 PM IST Good-length ball, on middle and leg. Devon Conway works it to mid on.

10:53 PM IST Mulder goes full around middle. Devon Conway covers the line of the ball and defends it.

10:52 PM IST A length ball, around off. Conway blocks it off the front foot.

10:52 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

10:51 PM IST A full ball, angling in from middle. Devon Conway tucks it towards fine leg for a single.

10:50 PM IST On a length and just outside off. Conway lunges forward and defends it.

10:49 PM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Conway defends it towards cover.

10:49 PM IST Around off, blocked out.

10:48 PM IST A length ball, jagging back in from off. Devon Conway presses forward and defends it.

10:47 PM IST Another ball, full and outside off. Tom Blundell shoulders his arms to it.

10:46 PM IST This is a full ball, well outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

10:46 PM IST Good-length ball, around off. Tom Blundell prods and blocks it to cover.

10:46 PM IST Fuller in length, outside off. Tom Blundell sways away from the line of the delivery.

10:45 PM IST On a length, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

10:44 PM IST Full and outside off. Tom Blundell does not offer any shot to that one.

10:43 PM IST A length ball, darted on the pads. Tom Blundell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

10:42 PM IST Full and outside off. Tom Blundell lets it be.

10:42 PM IST Back of a length, just outside off. Tom Blundell tries to cut but it goes off the inner half of the bat and onto the deck.

10:41 PM IST Another ball, short and on off. Tom Blundell blocks it.

10:41 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

10:40 PM IST Full and outside off. Tom Blundell lets it through to the keeper.

10:40 PM IST Change of ends for Kagiso Rabada.

10:39 PM IST A length ball, jagging back in a bit from off. Devon Conway gets an inside edge and onto his pad.

10:38 PM IST Back of a length, on middle. Tom Blundell nudges it around the corner and takes a single.

10:37 PM IST Good-length delivery, outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

10:37 PM IST Fuller in length, well outside off. Tom Blundell lets it be.

10:36 PM IST This is full and outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone.

10:35 PM IST Mulder starts with a length ball, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

10:35 PM IST Wiaan Mulder comes into the attack.

10:34 PM IST Outside off, an easy leave for Conway.

10:33 PM IST Good-length ball, jagging back in, outside off. Devon Conway has a look and shoulders arms.

10:32 PM IST On a length, on leg. Tucked to deep square leg for a run.

10:32 PM IST Similar line and length, Tom Blundell glances it to deep square leg for a brace.

10:31 PM IST FOUR! Easy pickings! Short of a length, on leg. Tom Blundell glances it to fine leg for a boundary.

10:31 PM IST Length ball, around off. Devon Conway looks to defend. The ball goes off the inside edge past the stumps. The batters take a single.

10:30 PM IST Short ball yet again, on middle. Pulled to deep square leg for a single this time.

10:29 PM IST FOUR! Pulled away! Short ball again, this time to Conway, on middle. Devon Conway pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

10:28 PM IST Short ball, on off. Tom Blundell gets on top of the bounce and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

10:27 PM IST On a length, in the fourth stump channel. Tom Blundell taps it to point.

10:27 PM IST On a length, on off. Tom Blundell defends it off the front foot.

10:26 PM IST Good-length ball, outside off. Tom Blundell shoulders arms to that one.

10:25 PM IST Length, outside off. Conway leaves it alone. A maiden!

10:25 PM IST On a good length, outside off, nipping away. Conway keeps it out.

10:24 PM IST On a length, outside off. Devon Conway lets it sail through.

10:24 PM IST Length ball, outside off. Left alone.

10:23 PM IST Full again, attacking the stumps. Conway covers the line and drives it to mid on.

10:22 PM IST Fuller in length, on off. Conway drives it to mid off.

10:22 PM IST Another ball, short and around off. Tom Blundell gets on top of the bounce and defends it towards cover.

10:22 PM IST No ball! Short of a length, around off. Tom Blundell hangs back and defends it out. Rabada oversteps and the umpire signals a no ball.

10:20 PM IST Short of a length, on off. Tom Blundell gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it.

10:19 PM IST Good-length delivery, outside off. Tom Blundell shoulders his arms at it.

10:19 PM IST On a length, outside off. Tom Blundell lets it be.

10:18 PM IST FOUR! Nicely played! A full ball, outside off. Tom Blundell presses forward and caresses it past the diving fielder at extra cover and mid off. The ball races away to the fence.

10:18 PM IST A length ball, on off. Blundell blocks it off the front foot.

10:17 PM IST Back of a length, around leg. Tom Blundell rides the bounce nicely and just helps it on its way towards fine leg for a single.

10:16 PM IST Full and outside off, angling across the batter. Tom Blundell leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

10:15 PM IST A full ball, outside off. Tom Blundell shoulders his arms to this one.

10:14 PM IST Another delivery, on a length, around off. Blundell dabs it onto the deck.

10:14 PM IST On a length, around off. Tom Blundell hangs back to block.

10:14 PM IST Back of a length, around off. Tom Blundell blocks it with ease.

10:12 PM IST Another ball, that comes on with the angle from off. Devon Conway covers the line of the ball to defend.

10:12 PM IST A length ball, angling in from off. Devon Conway blocks it with soft hands.

10:11 PM IST A full ball, outside off. Devon Conway drives but finds the man at mid off.

10:11 PM IST On a length, outside off. Devon Conway prods and pushes it towards mid off.

10:10 PM IST Slightly shorter in length, on middle. Devon Conway hangs back to keep it out.

10:10 PM IST Good-length delivery, on off. Devon Conway gets solid in his front foot defence.

10:09 PM IST Short of a length, just outside off. Tom Blundell lets it through to the keeper.

10:09 PM IST Jansen drags his length back, around middle. Tom Blundell blocks it back to the bowler.

10:08 PM IST FOUR! Glorious! Fuller in length, outside off. Tom Blundell presses forward and carves it through the cover region to bag a boundary.

10:07 PM IST Jansen dishes out a short ball, around leg. Tom Blundell sways away from the line of the ball.

10:06 PM IST A full ball, angling across the batter. Tom Blundell lets it be.

10:06 PM IST FOUR! Nicely done! Back of a length, outside off. Tom Blundell gets on top of the bounce and punches it behind square on the off side for a boundary.

10:05 PM IST Marco Jansen to bowl from the other end.

10:04 PM IST Full and wide, outside off. Conway does not bother playing at this one.

10:04 PM IST FOUR! EDGY! Good-length delivery, around off. Devon Conway stays back and looks to block but it goes off the outside edge, past the second slip fielder for a boundary.

10:03 PM IST On a length, outside off. Devon Conway leaves it alone.

10:03 PM IST A stifled appeal for caught behind but the umpire is not interested! Rabada comes 'round the wicket and serves a short ball, on middle. Devon Conway gets into an awkward tangle as he tries to duck underneath. The ball brushes his shoulder before going to the keeper.

10:01 PM IST A bit fuller this time, on middle. Tom Blundell leans and works it wide of mid on to rotate the strike. New Zealand are underway on Day 5!

10:01 PM IST Rabada starts with a length ball, outside off. Tom Blundell prods and leaves it alone.

9:59 PM IST We are all set for the live action! The players stride out to the middle. Devon Conway and Tom Blundell walk out to resume their innings. Kagiso Rabada has the ball in hand. Let's go...

9:03 PM IST South Africa set a mammoth target of 426 on Day 4 and then it was Rabada who breathed fire once again with the ball. New Zealand are 94/4 at the moment and Devon Conway looks settled but needs a massive support from others if they are to take the game deep. It will need a miracle from hereon to prevent the Proteas from levelling the series. They will look to give their all but as things stand, South Africa are in a pole position to win this Test and square the series. Can they script a famous win? Or will the Kiwis have something in store for us? All the answers coming your way shortly.

9:02 PM IST Hello and a warm welcome to Day 5 - the final day of the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa. Day 4 turned out to be an enthralling one as the Proteas bossed the game and this Test is moving to an interesting finish. South Africa are on the cusp of a famous away victory after a poor first Test. The first hour is going to be a very crucial one for both the teams. Let's see how the day pans out.

9:02 PM IST ... Day 5, Session 1 ...

5:48 AM IST Right then, that is all we have from Day 4 of this Test match. It has been a day where South Africa have tightened their grip on this game and are just 6 wickets away from a memorable win at Hagley Oval. Can they script a famous win after being demolished in the first Test match on this very ground? Or will New Zealand display some character and resolve to save this Test. All the answers coming your way on Day 5. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 am IST (10 pm GMT, previous day). But as usual, our buildup will begin well in advance. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

5:47 AM IST New Zealand were quite poor on Day 4, to be honest. The bowling lacked penetration and the absence of a spinner in their attack will be a matter of discussion for sometime now. They could not put a lid on the scoring rate either and that meant that they were almost knocked out of the game with 426 runs to chase in the final innings. However, the worst was yet to come as they gave away three early wickets with the bat too. Conway and Mitchell had a decent partnership after that but Mitchell departed towards the fag end to make things even worse for the Blackcaps. The pitch is not that bad to bat on and if the Kiwis manage to apply themselves in the middle on Day 5, they might salvage a draw here, but a tough Day 5 awaits them.

5:46 AM IST South Africa have taken four wickets in this final session on a pitch that doesn’t have much for the bowlers in it. Rabada and Maharaj were always going to be key for them and they have delivered for their team again in this final session. Rabada sent back both the openers to the hut early and then Maharaj with his crafty spin-bowling got rid of Nicholls and well-set Mitchell to put South Africa right on top. Earlier in the day, they were fantastic with the bat too, as Kyle Verreynne notched up his maiden Test century and Rabada played a whirlwind cameo to post a huge target in front of the Blackcaps.

6:06 AM IST South Africa have finally managed to break the door and are now in a position where they are the only team that can win this game, at least realistically. After fighting hard for three days, New Zealand have been thoroughly outplayed on Day 4. They have six wickets in hand now and need to bat 90 overs on Day 5 to salvage a draw in this Test. A win for them is hard to imagine even if you put yourself into the shoes of a very optimistic Kiwi supporter.

5:34 AM IST Maharaj serves a flatter ball that goes on with the arm, from middle. Tom Blundell prods and tucks it to the leg side for a single. That will be STUMPS on Day 4!

5:31 AM IST Flatter and quicker, outside off. Conway punches it off the back foot through covers and takes a run.

5:31 AM IST Tossed up, outside off. Devon Conway drives it through cover and takes a couple of runs.

5:30 AM IST On a length, outside off. Devon Conway covers the line and blocks it.

5:30 AM IST DROPPED! A tough chance though! Floated, on a length, well outside off. Devon Conway plants his front foot forward and looks to block but it hits the splice and pops out straight to Dean Elgar at silly point who fails to grab the ball.

5:30 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Devon Conway gets solid in his front foot defence.

5:29 AM IST Back of a length, outside off. Tom Blundell defends it away from his body towards cover.

5:28 AM IST Short of a length, around off. Tom Blundell hangs back and defends it onto the deck.

5:27 AM IST Another ball, on a length, outside off and going on with the angle. Tom Blundell does not bother playing at that one.

5:27 AM IST Good-length ball, outside off. Tom Blundell leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

5:26 AM IST Back of a length, around leg. Devon Conway just helps it on its way towards fine leg for a single.

5:26 AM IST A length ball, angling down leg. Devon Conway misses his flick.

5:25 AM IST Tossed up, on a length, outside off. Devon Conway prods to block but it goes off the outside edge past the slip fielder for a run.

5:24 AM IST Slower through the air, way outside off. Conway smothers the spin and dabs it onto the deck.

5:23 AM IST Floated, on a length, around middle. Devon Conway keeps it out.

5:23 AM IST Looped up, on a length, outside off. Devon Conway presses forward to block.

5:22 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Devon Conway defends it off the front foot.

5:22 AM IST Flatter ball, outside off and turning in sharply. Conway keeps it out off the back foot.

5:22 AM IST A full ball, outside off. Tom Blundell offers no shot to that one.

5:21 AM IST Good-length delivery, well outside off that nips back in late. Tom Blundell prods and leaves it alone.

5:20 AM IST On a length, jagging back in from middle. Conway tucks it around the corner and rotates the strike.

5:19 AM IST Rabada hurls a wayward ball, down leg. Devon Conway lets it be. Kyle Verreynne behind the sticks does well to dive to his right and gather the ball.

5:18 AM IST Good-length delivery, around middle. Devon Conway stays back and blocks it.

5:18 AM IST A length ball, angling in from off. Devon Conway prods and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

5:18 AM IST Kagiso Rabada (6-2-15-2) is back on.

5:17 AM IST Floated, on a length, around off. Tom Blundell keeps it out.

5:16 AM IST Tosses it up nicely, around off. Tom Blundell looks for a drive through covers but it goes off the inner half of the blade back to the bowler.

5:15 AM IST Slower through the air, around off. Tom Blundell gets solid in his front foot defence.

5:15 AM IST On a length, around off. Tom Blundell defends it off the front foot.

5:15 AM IST A flatter ball, going on with the arm, from off. Tom Blundell hangs back and dabs it onto the deck in the end.

5:14 AM IST Tossed up, around off. Tom Blundell presses forward to block it.

5:13 AM IST A full ball, outside off. Devon Conway shoulders his arms to this one.

5:12 AM IST Back of a length, just outside off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

5:12 AM IST On a length, around middle. Devon Conway blocks it off the back foot.

5:11 AM IST FOUR! Glorious! A full ball, outside off. Devon Conway gets forward and carves it through the cover region for a boundary.

5:10 AM IST Aerial but safe! A length ball, on middle. Conway stays back and looks to pull but it goes off the top edge just over the mid-wicket fielder for a brace. That brings up his FIFTY as well! A gritty knock from the southpaw so far!

5:09 AM IST A full ball, on middle. Devon Conway tucks it towards mid-wicket.

5:09 AM IST Another loopy delivery on off. Tom Blundell gets well forward again and defends it.

5:08 AM IST Nicely bowled again! Pulls his length back and it is on middle and turning away. Tom Blundell blocks it out off the front foot.

5:08 AM IST Darted on middle and leg. Tom Blundell works it towards the leg slip.

5:07 AM IST Quicker and fuller on off. Tom Blundell gets well forward and blocks it.

5:06 AM IST Tom Blundell is the next man in.

5:05 AM IST OUT! TIMBER! That is an absolute beauty from Maharaj to get rid of Mitchell! He has been troubling both Conway and Mitchell and finally gets his reward! Maharaj serves a flatter ball, on a length, on middle. Mitchell gets forward and looks to block but he misses as the ball spins away after landing and goes past his outside edge to shatter the off stump. The South African players are ecstatic and New Zealand are in deep, deep trouble now!

5:04 AM IST Flatter ball, on middle. Daryl Mitchell stays back and keeps it out.

5:04 AM IST Lutho Sipamla goes 'round the wicket and serves this on a length, outside off. Devon Conway lets it go.

5:03 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Conway punches it towards covers.

5:02 AM IST This has been a good spell from Lutho Sipamla. He has given away nothing to the batters to work with. On a length, on off. Conway just defends it onto the turf.

5:01 AM IST On a length, on middle at 128.9 kph. Conway clips it towards mid-wicket.

5:01 AM IST A length delivery on off. Conway defends it off his crease towards the leg side.

5:00 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway blocks it out.

4:59 AM IST Bowls this slower on middle. Mitchell is well forward and blocks it.

4:58 AM IST Quicker and flatter on middle and leg. Mitchell works it towards mid-wicket.

4:58 AM IST On middle this time. Mitchell works it towards the leg side.

4:58 AM IST Nicely tossed up around off. Slower in pace. Mitchell reaches for it and drives it to covers.

4:58 AM IST Flatter and quicker on off. Mitchell defends this off the front foot.

4:57 AM IST Fuller delivery on off. Conway pushes it to long on for an easy single.

4:56 AM IST Good tight line again. Back of a length, on off. Mitchell goes back and blocks it out.

4:56 AM IST A length delivery on middle at 128.7 kph. Mitchell blocks this off the front foot.

4:55 AM IST Drifting on the pads this time. Mitchell clips it to mid-wicket.

4:54 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Mitchell blocks this off the back foot.

4:54 AM IST Back of a length, outside off. Mitchell punches it to covers.

4:53 AM IST A full delivery on off. Mitchell drives it to mid off.

4:52 AM IST Flatter on middle. Conway turns it towards square leg.

4:51 AM IST On middle and turning into the batter. Conway works it towards the leg side.

4:51 AM IST Ohh... Conway almost played on there! Slightly shorter on a length, around off and turning into Conway. He goes back and blocks it onto the turf but the ball almost goes on to hit the stumps. Luckily for Conway, it goes just past the off stump.

4:50 AM IST Tossed up on middle and leg. Conway works it towards the leg side.

4:50 AM IST Slower in the air on off. Conway gets forward and defends it towards the off side.

4:50 AM IST A flatter delivery on off. Conway blocks it out.

4:48 AM IST Goes fuller this time on off at 129.9 kph. Mitchell defends this off the front foot. Oohhs and ahhs from the South African players!

4:47 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Mitchell rocks back and blocks it out.

4:47 AM IST On a length with a nip back in, around off. Mitchell blocks it out.

4:46 AM IST Good delivery! On that good length, outside off. Daryl Mitchell leaves it alone. It comes back in slightly.

4:46 AM IST Back of a length, angling into middle this time. Conway pulls it to fine leg for a single.

4:45 AM IST On a length, on off and coiming into Conway slightly. He blocks this off the front foot.

4:44 AM IST Tosses it up, on middle. Daryl Mitchell gets forward and defends it out.

4:43 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on off. Daryl Mitchell blocks it off the front foot.

4:43 AM IST FOUR! Flatter ball, angling down leg. Daryl Mitchell tickles it past the leg slip fielder for another boundary.

4:42 AM IST FOUR! Not the most convincing shot but Mitchell will take that! Mitchell skips down the track so Keshav Maharaj drags his length back, on middle. Mitchell looks for a slog but it goes off the inner half of the blade and over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two!

4:42 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Daryl Mitchell keeps it out.

4:41 AM IST Floated, darted on the pads. Daryl Mitchell presses forward and tucks it towards square leg.

4:40 AM IST Good-length delivery, around middle. Devon Conway stays back and blocks it.

4:40 AM IST Short of a length, on middle. Devon Conway rides the bounce nicely and dabs it in front of square on the leg side.

4:39 AM IST Pitches it up, on middle. Conway lunges forward and blocks it.

4:38 AM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Devon Conway plants his foot forward and defends it solidly.

4:37 AM IST On a length, around off. Devon Conway blocks it out.

4:37 AM IST A stifled appeal for LBW but turned down! A length ball, around off. Conway looks to defend but he gets an inside edge onto his pad.

4:37 AM IST Lutho Sipamla (5-2-7-0) is back on.

4:35 AM IST Slower through the air this time, on off. Daryl Mitchell presses forward and blocks it.

4:35 AM IST Floated, on a length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell keeps it out.

4:35 AM IST This is a flatter ball, on middle and going on with the angle. Daryl Mitchell looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of the blade towards square leg.

4:33 AM IST Flatter ball, going on with the arm from off. Daryl Mitchell gets forward and keeps it out.

4:33 AM IST On a length, around off. Daryl Mitchell covers the line of the ball to defend it.

4:33 AM IST Tosses it up nicely, around off. Daryl Mitchell blocks it off the front foot.

4:32 AM IST Leg bye! Back of a length, around leg. Daryl Mitchell looks to tuck it on the leg side but he misses and gets hit high on his body. The ball rolls to the leg side for a leg bye.

4:31 AM IST On a length, around middle. Devon Conway nudges it to the leg side for a single.

4:31 AM IST FOUR! BANG! A bumper, around off. Devon Conway stands tall and pulls it in front of square to fetch himself yet another boundary.

4:30 AM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

4:29 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Conway blocks it off the front foot.

4:28 AM IST FOUR! TOP SHOT! A short ball, on middle. Conway gets on top of the bounce and pulls it in front of square to bag a boundary.

4:27 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Daryl Mitchell defends it off the front foot.

4:27 AM IST Flatter ball, on a length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell keeps it out.

4:26 AM IST Flatter and on a length, around middle. Devon Conway nudges it wide of mid-wicket and takes a single.

4:26 AM IST Flatter and a bit quicker through the air, on middle. Devon Conway tucks it to the leg side.

4:25 AM IST A loopy ball, well outside off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

4:25 AM IST Tossed up, around off. Devon Conway drags it back to the bowler.

4:24 AM IST Back of a length, on middle angling into the body. Mitchell blocks it towards mid on.

4:23 AM IST On a length, around off from 'round the wicket. Mitchell blocks it out.

4:22 AM IST Again his one hand comes off. A short delivery on off. Conway pulls this aerially but short of deep square leg for a single.

4:21 AM IST On a length, on middle. Conway dabs it towards the leg side as his one hand comes off the handle.

4:21 AM IST On a length and this one jags back in a little. Conway defends this off the inside half of his blade towards the leg side.

4:20 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway blocks it out.

4:19 AM IST A fuller delivery on off. Mitchell defends this off the front foot.

4:19 AM IST This is slower on middle with a hint of turn. Mitchell blocks this out.

4:18 AM IST Darted on leg this time. Mitchell works it towards square leg.

4:18 AM IST Slower in the air on middle. Mitchell blocks this off the front foot.

4:18 AM IST Flatter and down the leg side. Mitchell lets it go.

4:17 AM IST Tossed up on middle. Mitchell blocks it out.

4:17 AM IST Fullish delivery, on off. Conway drives it to covers.

4:16 AM IST FOUR! Jansen decides to bang this short but Conway is equal to the task and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary. Conway is key here for New Zealand.

4:16 AM IST FOUR! Good shot! This is fuller outside off. Conway leans forward and drives it through covers for a boundary.

4:14 AM IST On a length, on middle. Conway gets forward and blocks it out.

4:14 AM IST Goes fuller again and this time on middle. Conway works it left of mid on and gets a couple as the fielder cuts it off.

4:13 AM IST A full delivery on off. Conway pushes it towards the off side.

4:13 AM IST Marco Jansen (5-1-10-0) comes back to bowl.

4:11 AM IST Nicely tossed up on middle. Mitchell pushes it towards the leg side.

4:11 AM IST Darted on middle and leg. Mitchell works it towards square leg.

4:11 AM IST Slower in the air on middle. Mitchell blocks this off the front foot again.

4:10 AM IST Tossed up around off. Mitchell blocks it out.

4:10 AM IST Another loopy delivery on middle. Mitchell works it towards square leg and looks for a single but is sent back by his partner.

4:09 AM IST Tossed up on middle and leg. Mitchell works it towards square leg.

4:10 AM IST DRINKS! New Zealand are in all sorts of trouble at the moment but the good thing is that Daryl Mitchell coming in at number 5 is showing some intent and taking the attack to the opposition. Devon Conway has held one end and the pair would be looking to go unscathed into Day 5! South Africa, on the flip side, would be eager to pick a couple of more wickets before Stumps.

4:09 AM IST On a length, around off. Conway is solid in his defence again. Not much happening off the deck or in the air but South Africa have been pretty disciplined with their lines and lengths so far.

4:05 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Conway goes back and defends it comfortably.

4:04 AM IST Another length delivery on off. Conway blocks it out.

4:03 AM IST On a length, on middle. Conway works it towards backward square leg.

4:03 AM IST FOUR! Conway with a good cover drive! This is overpitched, on off. Conway drives as his one hand comes off the handle. The ball goes through covers for a boundary.

4:02 AM IST A full delivery on off. Conway defends it towards mid on.

4:01 AM IST Slower through the air, on a length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell gets forward and defends.

4:01 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Daryl Mitchell gets solid in his front foot defence.

4:00 AM IST Floated, on a length, around middle. Daryl Mitchell prods and dabs it onto the deck with soft hands.

4:00 AM IST Flatter ball, on middle. Daryl Mitchell keeps it out.

4:00 AM IST Maharaj errs in line and spills it down leg. Mitchell lets it be.

3:59 AM IST Tosses it up, around off. Daryl Mitchell prods and pushes it towards mid off.

3:58 AM IST Sipamla serves a length ball, around off. Devon Conway blocks it off the front foot.

3:57 AM IST A full ball, on middle. Devon Conway flicks but the fielder at mid-wicket dives and stops the ball.

3:56 AM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Devon Conway prods and gets solid in his defence.

3:56 AM IST On a length and angling in from off. Devon Conway defends it.

3:55 AM IST On a length, around off. Devon Conway covers the line of the delivery and keeps it out.

3:54 AM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

3:53 AM IST Flatter ball, on a length, around off. Daryl Mitchell gets forward and defends it.

3:53 AM IST Fuller and wider, outside off. Devon Conway drags it to long on for a single.

3:53 AM IST Nicely tossed up, around off and taking off from a length. Devon Conway looks to block it off the front foot but he gets an inside edge onto his thigh pad and luckily for him, the ball lands just in front of Dean Elgar at silly point.

3:52 AM IST Floated, full and outside off. Devon Conway leaves it alone.

3:51 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Devon Conway gets forward and blocks.

3:51 AM IST Tossed up, around off. Devon Conway blocks it off the front foot.

3:50 AM IST A full ball, darted on the pads. Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards the mid-wicket fielder.

3:49 AM IST BEATEN! Good-length delivery, around the corridor of uncertainty. Mitchell looks to defend away from his body but the ball zips past his outside edge.

3:49 AM IST A yorker-length delivery, around off. Daryl Mitchell digs it out towards mid on.

3:48 AM IST Short of a length, around middle. Daryl Mitchell gets behind the line of the ball and dabs it onto the deck.

3:48 AM IST Good-length delivery, around off. Daryl Mitchell defends it onto the deck.

3:47 AM IST A full ball, on leg. Daryl Mitchell tickles it through the fine leg region for a brace.

3:46 AM IST Floated, outside off. Devon Conway gets solid in his defence.

3:46 AM IST Slower through the air, just outside off and spinning in. Devon Conway looks to defend but it goes off the inside edge past the short leg fielder.

3:45 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on middle. Conway covers the line and keeps it out.

3:45 AM IST Flatter ball, going on with the arm from middle. Daryl Mitchell nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

3:44 AM IST Flatter and quicker, on off. Daryl Mitchell defends it solidly.

3:44 AM IST Tossed up, on middle. Daryl Mitchell blocks it off the front foot.

3:43 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway gets forward and blocks it out.

3:43 AM IST On a length, around off. Conway blocks it out solidly yet again.

3:42 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway blocks it towards the off side.

3:41 AM IST A good-length delivery, outside off. Conway leaves it alone this time.

3:41 AM IST On a length, on middle. Conway works it towards square leg.

3:40 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway blocks this off the inside half of his blade towards the leg side.

3:39 AM IST Fuller on middle. Daryl Mitchell works it towards mid-wicket.

3:39 AM IST Slower and on middle. Devon Conway gets well forward and blocks it.

3:38 AM IST SIX! Another one, this is interesting from Daryl Mitchell! Tossed up again, around middle and leg. Daryl Mitchell skips down the track and tonks it over long on with ease.

3:37 AM IST SIX! Daryl Mitchell decides to take him on! A tossed up delivery on middle. Daryl Mitchell advances down the track and slams it down the ground for a biggie.

3:36 AM IST This time a bit shorter and turning into Conway. He goes back and pushes it towards backward point for a single.

3:36 AM IST Tossed up around off. Conway gets well forward and defends it.

3:35 AM IST On a length, on middle. Daryl Mitchell blocks it out.

3:34 AM IST This time he gets fuller on off. Daryl Mitchell defends it towards the off side off the front foot now.

3:34 AM IST Back of a length, around off at 133.8 kph. Daryl Mitchell blocks this off the back foot.

3:33 AM IST On a length, on off. Conway again defends this off the inside half of his blade to square leg. A single this time.

3:32 AM IST Goes fuller this time on off. Conway looks to drive it towards the off side but gets the inside half of his blade towards square leg.

3:32 AM IST Back of a length, on off. Conway defends it towards the leg side.

3:30 AM IST Another loopy delivery on off. Daryl Mitchell gets forward and blocks it out.

3:30 AM IST Nicely tossed up on middle. Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards mid on.

3:30 AM IST Slightly short on off. Conway goes back and pushes it towards mid on for a single.

3:29 AM IST A fuller delivery on middle. Daryl Mitchell drives it to mid on for a single.

3:29 AM IST Daryl Mitchell walks out to bat.

3:27 AM IST OUT! BOWLED! The spinner strikes on his second ball and New Zealand are in all sorts of trouble here! A slightly shorter delivery, around off. Henry Nicholls goes back to push it but completely misreads the turn here as the ball turns in sharply. The ball beats the inside edge of his blade and knocks over the middle pole. A big wicket this and Keshav Maharaj is showing his quality yet again.

3:26 AM IST Shorter and turning away around off. Henry Nicholls pushes it towards the off side.

3:26 AM IST Keshav Maharaj is into the attack now.

3:24 AM IST A fullish delivery on off. Conway drives it towards covers. Maharaj at short cover does well to stop it with a dive.

3:24 AM IST A good-length delivery, outside off and seaming away. Conway leaves it alone.

3:23 AM IST FOUR! A boundary this time! A full toss on the pads. Conway just flicks this off his pads towards the square leg fence for a boundary.

3:23 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Henry Nicholls gets on the top of the bounce and nudges it towards the leg side for a single.

3:22 AM IST Shorter length and around leg. Henry Nicholls lets it go.

3:21 AM IST A good-length delivery, on off and nipping into the batter. Conway defends this off the inside half of his blade towards mid-wicket for a single.

3:20 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Henry Nicholls nudges it towards the leg side.

3:20 AM IST Short delivery on middle. Conway pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

3:19 AM IST On a length, on middle. Henry Nicholls works it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.

3:18 AM IST A full ball, on middle. Devon Conway flicks it through the mid-wicket region. The batters take three runs.

3:18 AM IST Back of a length, angled down leg. Conway gets inside the line of the ball and leaves it alone.

3:17 AM IST This is a length ball, around off that jags back in late. Devon Conway looks to defend but it goes off the inner half of the blade towards square leg.

3:16 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Henry Nicholls stands tall and blocks it out.

3:15 AM IST A bit fuller this time, on middle. Henry Nicholls prods and drives it to mid on.

3:15 AM IST A length ball, jagging back in from middle. Henry Nicholls tucks it towards mid-wicket.

3:14 AM IST Good-length ball, around off. Conway hangs back to defend but it goes off the outside edge towards the slip fielder, along the ground.

3:13 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Henry Nicholls gets on top of the bounce and defends it.

3:13 AM IST A short ball, on off. Henry Nicholls ducks underneath.

3:12 AM IST Jansen darts it on the pads. Henry Nicholls flicks it to deep square leg for one run.

3:11 AM IST Good-length ball, angling away from outside off. Henry Nicholls leaves it alone.

3:11 AM IST On a length, around off. Henry Nicholls blocks it off the front foot.

3:10 AM IST Another ball that is short of a length, outside off. Henry Nicholls looks to cut hard but does not time it well.

3:10 AM IST Short and wide, outside off. Henry Nicholls looks to cut but it takes the underedge and lands into the deck.

3:09 AM IST A bumper, around off. Devon Conway mistimes his pull towards the fine leg fielder on the bounce. A single taken.

3:08 AM IST Rabada hits the deck hard, on middle. Henry Nicholls stays back and gets solid in his defence.

3:07 AM IST Short of a length, on off. Henry Nicholls keeps it out.

3:07 AM IST A low full toss, on middle. Henry Nicholls drags it to mid on.

3:06 AM IST Good-length delivery, on middle. Henry Nicholls presses forward to block it.

3:06 AM IST A length ball, around off. Henry Nicholls defends it out.

3:06 AM IST An appeal for LBW but turned down! A yorker-length ball, angling in from middle. Henry Nicholls fails to dig it out and gets hit on his pad. Might have gone down leg.

3:04 AM IST On a length, just outside off. Devon Conway lets it sail through to the keeper.

3:04 AM IST A bit full and on middle. Nicholls nudges it wide of mid-wicket and takes a single.

3:03 AM IST On a length, on middle. Henry Nicholls works it towards mid-wicket and takes a quick single.

3:02 AM IST Shorter in length, outside off. Devon Conway shuffles across a bit and helps it on its way towards deep square leg for a single.

3:01 AM IST Short of a length, outside off. Devon Conway leaves it alone.

3:01 AM IST Jansen serves a length ball, jagging back in from off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

3:00 AM IST Good-length ball, around middle. Henry Nicholls looks to defend but it goes off the thick inside edge towards the short leg fielder.

2:59 AM IST Drop and run! On a length, outside off. Conway taps it to the off side and sets off for a quick run.

2:59 AM IST Rabada hits the deck hard, around off. Devon Conway covers the line of the ball and defends it out.

2:58 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Devon Conway prods and blocks it.

2:58 AM IST DROPPED! Back of a length, angling in from off and cramping the batter for room. Devon Conway looks to pull but he miscues it and the ball goes left of the backward square leg fielder. The fielder dives to his left and gets both hands on it but fails to pouch it.

2:57 AM IST Back of a length, on middle. Henry Nicholls nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a run.

2:56 AM IST Good-length delivery, otutside off. Devon Conway does not offer any shot to this one.

2:56 AM IST On a length, around off. Devon Conway keeps it out.

2:55 AM IST Jansen bangs it into the deck, on middle. Henry Nicholls pulls it along the ground behind square on the leg side for a single.

2:54 AM IST Another ball, on a length, just outside off and jagging back in late. Henry Nicholls lets it be and the ball goes just past the off pole.

2:54 AM IST Good-length delivery, just outside off. Henry Nicholls leaves it alone.

2:53 AM IST Short of a length, down leg. Henry Nicholls sways away from the line of the ball.

2:53 AM IST Back of a length, around middle. Devon Conway keeps it out.

2:53 AM IST A good-length delivery around off. Conway goes pushing for it but the ball beats the outside edge of his blade.

2:53 AM IST Another good-length delivery angling across the left-hander and Conway lets it go.

2:53 AM IST A length delivery, outside off. Conway lets it go.

2:53 AM IST A length ball, around middle. Henry Nicholls tucks it to the leg side for a run.

2:52 AM IST OUT! TAKEN! Rabada strikes again and sends back the Kiwi skipper! Rabada goes back of a length, on middle, angling into the body. Latham just tries to work it away towards the leg side but ends up hitting it towards the short leg fielder and Rassie van der Dussen there takes a sharp catch. Big wicket this and Kiwis are in early trouble here. Henry Nicholls is the next man in.

2:48 AM IST Another length delivery, outside off. Conway leaves it again.

2:46 AM IST A good-length delivery, outside off. Conway leaves it alone.

2:46 AM IST On a length and angling across the batter. Devon Conway lets it through to the keeper.

2:45 AM IST Back of a length, around off. Conway blocks it.

2:45 AM IST BEATEN! On a length, just outside off. Conway has a poke at it but the ball beats his outside edge.

2:44 AM IST A length ball, angling down leg. Devon Conway misses his flick.

2:44 AM IST Marco Jansen will share the new ball with Kagiso Rabada.

2:43 AM IST A length ball, angling in from middle. Devon Conway clips it behind square on the leg side and takes a run.

2:42 AM IST FOUR! EDGY! Good-length ball, around off. Devon Conway looks to block but it goes off the outside edge past the slip fielder and into the fence.

2:42 AM IST A short ball, angling down leg. Devon Conway leaves it alone.

2:41 AM IST Devon Conway walks in at number 3.

2:40 AM IST OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa are off to a dream start! Rabada strikes in his first over and New Zealand lose a wicket early on. Rabada serves a full ball, outside off. Will Young looks for a booming drive but it takes the outside edge and goes straight to Temba Bavuma at gully who makes no mistake. Young departs for a duck and South Africa are on top! Not the kind of start that New Zealand would be hoping for!

2:39 AM IST Short of a length, outside off. Will Young leaves it alone.

2:39 AM IST Good-length ball, around off. Tom Latham taps it to the off side and takes a single. New Zealand are underway!