New Zealand inches closer to victory

After taking a 175-run first innings lead, its bowlers put South Africa in a spot of bother

Ouch: Theunis de Bruyn is run out after colliding with Hashim Amla on Tuesday.

New Zealand moved within reach of a series-levelling win in the third and final Test here on Tuesday after South Africa’s batsmen crashed to 80 for five in the second innings at the close of day four.

Captain Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock were each 15 not out and tasked with the rescue job, their side still 95 runs behind New Zealand’s first innings of 489. The South African middle and lower order have proved difficult to dislodge throughout the series but their top order again failed to provide a foundation.