New Zealand have started strongly in their reply to South Africa's first innings of 314, going to stumps on day two of the third Test in Hamilton at 0-67 as they seek victory to level the series.
A patient opening stand from Tom Latham (42 not out) and Jeet Raval (25 not out) - the best partnership for the pair - lifted the Black Caps at Seddon Park on Sunday with poor light ending play after afternoon rain limited the second session to just 20 minutes.
The productive stand is in stark contrast to their efforts in the first two Tests, where they scored no more than 16 runs in three innings.
"The game is evenly poised and we're in a good position," New Zealand bowling coach Shane Jurgensen says.
"The two openers have set us up for a good start.
"Credit to Tom, he's worked really hard leading into this Test, had quite a few sessions working on a few things (and) he's got a lot of confidence."
Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock top-scored with a quick-fire 90 off 118 balls, thumping 11 boundaries and two sixes before being undone by all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme LBW early in the third session.
Kagiso Rabada also pitched in with a speedy 34.
But it was the wicket of Proteas captain Faf du Plessis for 53 that gave the Black Caps most cause for celebration.
The 33-year-old swept a delivery from left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner that was snared one-handed at short-leg by Latham, who anticipated the shot to perfection by sharply moving towards leg-slip.
Television replays showed Latham had barely three-tenths of a second to react and catch du Plessis' firmly-struck shot.
The Kiwis impressed with the ball despite the absence of seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee, with Matt Henry equalling his career-best figures of 4-93.
Probing left-armer Neil Wagner too 3-104 while de Grandhomme picked up 2-62.
"Little bit of experience missing in our attack, and I thought it was a fantastic effort," Jurgensen said.
"Matt Henry's presented himself beautifully, attacked the crease, always asked questions."
