Led by Dane Piedt, the South African bowlers came to the party and skittled out New Zealand during what was a largely successful day 2 for the Proteas in the second Test.

South Africa added just 22 runs before getting bowled out. Ruan de Swardt’s resistance came to an end at 64, and it appeared that the visitors were light on runs.

Rookie seamer Will O’Rourke starred for NZ with a brilliant 4-wicket haul, with three of those wickets coming today. The youngster impressed with his pace and variations throughout.

However, Dane Paterson struck early to remove the out-of-form Devon Conway for no score. Fortunately for the hosts, Tom Latham and Kane Williamson dug in and added 74 runs between them.

It wasn’t until the introduction of offspinner Dane Piedt, who was playing his first Test in nearly 4 and a half years, when the balance shifted towards SA.  Latham was bowled, and 4 overs later, Williamson popped a catch to Raynard van Tonder at short leg.

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young were on course to build another strong partnership, but SA got yet another wicket against the run of play. Tshepo Moreki induced a false shot from Ravindra, who inside-edged onto his stumps.

Tom Blundell was the next to go, when he also played onto his stumps. Piedt would get a third wicket when Clyde Fortuin held on to a catch off Glenn Phillips.

NZ were in a bit of trouble, and it was on Young to bat through. Unfortunately for the hosts, he had a rush of blood, went for the big shot, and holed out to long-on. All of a sudden, they were staring down a 1st-innings deficit.

Paterson returned to remove skipper Tim Southee, and Matt Henry was run out from some sharp work from Zubayr Hamza at cover.

The innings was far from over, though. Neil Wagner came out swinging, and a priceless cameo of 33 nearly cut the gap in half. But in the end, one too many big shots did him in. An easy stumping off Piedt wrapped up the NZ innings, as well as the day’s play.

Piedt claimed a crucial 5-wicket haul in his comeback game. After being summoned on short notice to join the squad, he has confidently taken the initiative and led by example.

SA 242 all out in 97.2 overs (de Swardt 64 – O’Rourke 18.2-4-59-4)

NZ 211 all out in 77.3 overs (Williamson 43, Latham 40 – Piedt 32.3-5-89-5)