SOUTH AFRICA led New Zealand by 247 runs at close of play on day two of the third and final Test in Hamilton on Sunday.
Resuming on 123 for 4, the Proteas were eventually all out for 314, thanks to a swashbuckling 90 from the talismanic Quinton de Kock.
The left-hander, playing with an injured finger that has extra protection, received good support from Kagiso Rabada down the order, as the pace spearhead struck a career-best 34 off 31 balls, to lift the tourists beyond 300.
Skipper Faf du Plessis had earlier notched a vital half-century of his own, before falling for 53.
In reply, the Black Caps dug in for a solid 67 without loss, with Tom Latham on a boundary-filled 42 not out, and Jeet Raval on 25 not out, when bad light stopped play.
South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0.