Tea South Africa 162 and 173 for 4 (Bedingham 84* Hamza 26, Jamieson 2-30) need another 356 runs to beat New Zealand 511 and 179 for 4 dec (Williamson 109, Conway 29, Brand 2-52)

David Bedingham’s short-ball charge fired up South Africa’s fight, but two early wickets from Kyle Jamieson kept New Zealand well ahead at tea on the fourth day of the first Test in Mount Maunganui.

Going into the break Bedingham remained unbeaten on 84 off 93 balls, his last 44 balls producing 63 runs as South Africa reached 173 for 4, still requiring 356 runs to overhaul New Zealand’s gigantic 529-target.

The biggest problem with South Africa this Test has been losing wickets in clusters and that happened again after lunch. Having fought hard before the break, debutant Raynard van Tonder’s 83-ball vigil ended three overs after lunch when he edged a full-length Jamieson delivery straight into the hands of Tom Latham, who was stationed a tad wide at slips. That ended a 163-ball association between van Tonder and Hamza.

Two overs later, it was Hamza’s turn to depart as he met a soft end to a solid innings. Jamieson went short at him outside off and Hamza’s meek attempt at a pull could only go as far as Tim Southee at mid-on.

Bedingham started nervously, swishing and missing at a couple of balls and then twice edging Jamieson past the lone slip Latham, who was positioned wide. Keegan Petersen at the other end looked more solid and the duo decided to dig in.

For 11 overs between overs 35 to 46, South Africa could only manage 14 runs, with a single four. There were chances created, but none that really went to hand. Then came Matt Henry with a short-ball plan and Bedingham decided to cut loose.

Full report to follow…