The Proteas are in control of the 2nd Test at stumps on day two against New Zealand in Hamilton thanks to an outstanding bowling display by the ITEC Knights spinner, Dane Piedt.

South Africa were bowled out for 242-runs after adding just 22-runs to their overnight score with the North West Dragons allrounder, Ruan de Swardt top-scoring with 64, while David Bedingham scoring 39, and Shaun von Berg scoring 38.

William O’Rourke took 4/59 on 18.2 overs at the pick of the Black Caps bowlers, while Rachin Ravindra took 3/33 in 21 overs.

In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 211-runs in 77.3 overs with Kane Williamson scoring 43, Tom Latham chipping in with 40 and Neil Wagner with some rear-guard action with a handy knock of 33.

The day however belonged to Piedt who spun the Kiwis to pieces with 5/89 in 32.3 overs, while Dane Paterson took 3/39 in 17 overs.

The wicket of Wagner was the final piece of action before the umpires’ called stumps and the Proteas will start day three with the bat in their second innings.

Piedt, who celebrated his return to international cricket in fine style as it was his first five-for in nine years, said it was a matter of taking the opportunities when it presented itself, and a little bit of luck didn’t hurt either.

“I just thought that I was in the game all the time, and this New Zealand side is a quality Test team,” said Piedt.

“We've seen that they are a proper cricket team. It was having to fight through those periods as they are not just going to give it away to you. So, it's about 10 or 15 overs of perseverance and persistence and we managed to get in.

“We speak about those small windows as we know that we are on the back foot all the time. We just tried to take those windows of opportunity and fortunately it went our way. We had some luck with a couple of chop-ons to get some wickets.

“We're just happy that it went our way today.”

The Proteas take a 31-run lead into their second innings. Play at Seddon Park will resume at 00:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport