Du Plessis closes in on ton as South Africa march on

CENTURION: Faf du Plessis closed in on a first century in 17 innings since December 2014 as South Africa continued to build a mountain for New Zealand to climb. Du Plessis was one of a quintet of batsmen to cross the fifty mark - only the second time all of South Africa's top five had done so. Incidentally, the last time they achieved the feat was at the same ground, against India, in 2010.

New Zealand's only consolation was that Neil Wagner was one away from a five-wicket haul on his former home ground and continued to attack as the rest of the pace pack grew weary. But they could hardly be blamed for feeling sapped after they went largely luckless despite creating several chances.

Trent Boult's blistering new-ball spell should have brought some reward but he had yet to take a wicket in the match.

Duminy moved through the 80s with successive boundaries off Boult and seemed to be switching gears in search of his first century since August 2014, but then Southee struck. Duminy got a bottom edge off a rash pull to give BJ Watling an easy catch.

The short ball worked again, when Wagner used it to remove Temba Bavuma, the only batsman not to get into double figures. Bavuma had seen off 11.1 overs with du Plessis when he was hurried into a hook and caught at long leg.

With du Plessis taking control and the seamers wearing, New Zealand's disciplines waned. Mitchell Santner, who went unused all morning, was eventually brought on in the 128th over and provided some reprieve for the quicks. But the spinner offered no threat and as van Zyl also settled, Kane Williamson had to turn back to Wagner, who answered his call. He had van Zyl pushing at a delivery that held its line and had him caught at wide slip to give him his fourth wicket.

In pursuit of a fifth, Wagner asked for the next ball - an lbw shout against Vernon Philander - to be reviewed but replays showed it was too high. Williamson let out an "oh no", and as South Africa bat on, that may not be the only time he says that in this match.