South Africa snared the prize wicket of Kane Williamson on Monday, but Rachin Ravindra cruised past 150 to keep New Zealand on top during day two of the first Test.
The hosts were 330-3 at lunch in Mount Maunganui, with Ravindra’s reputation blossoming further in just his fourth Test as he added 51 runs in the morning session to reach 169 not out.
Daryl Mitchell was on 14 having replaced Williamson, who added six to his overnight 112 before becoming the only wicket to fall to South Africa’s inexperienced attack.
Williamson lost patience with the nagging line and length of seamer Ruan de Swardt and mistimed a hoisted shot to Tshepo Moreki at mid-off.
The catch came as a relief to debutant de Swardt, who was the bowler when both Ravindra and Williamson survived spilled outfield chances on Sunday.
The Black Caps pair went on to build a dogged stand of 232, which was the second-highest for New Zealand against the Proteas.
The 24-year-old Ravindra was more prepared to play his shots and that continued on Monday as he hit six boundaries through a mix of well-timed strokes and streaky efforts.
The talented left-hander had never previously passed 20 runs in Tests, with his last cap in the longest format coming more than two years ago.
Ravindra burst onto the scene at last year’s 50-over World Cup when he scored centuries against England, Australia and Pakistan.
He was named emerging player of 2023 by cricket’s governing body, the ICC.
South Africa are fielding a depleted team featuring six debutants at Bay Oval, with most of their first-choice players unavailable to tour because of domestic Twenty20 league commitments.
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