Dunedin: Skipper Ross Taylor and senior pro Brendon McCullum kept New Zealand in the hunt to chase a mammoth 401 to beat South Africa in the first Test played here at the University Oval in Dunedin on Saturday. The host ended the fourth day on 137/2 with Taylor and McCullum remaining unbeaten on 48 and 58 respectively after bad lights stopped the play with four overs still remaining.

New Zealand's who have a slim chance of winning the test on a pitch which is acting highly unpredictable rests on how these two batsmen play on the fifth and the final day.

Earlier, Graeme Smith declared South Africa’s second innings on 435 for five in the second session’s play after Jacques Rudolph became the third centurion of the match and raced to his sixth century of his test career. He scored an unbeaten 105 not out.

New Zealand coming on to bat with a steep cliff to climb never looked that confident agaisnt South Africa's bowler with Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel bowling at a fiery pace and steady line.

The pressure had its way and both their openers departed Martin Guptill was caught at third slip of Philander while Rob Nicol gave a regulation catch to skipper Smith at mid-on for 19 off legspinner Imran Tahir’s full toss delivery.

After that Taylor and McCullum steadied the innings a scored at a brisk rate to craft a 82 runs partnership for the second wicket.

If the Kiwis successfully chase the target then it would the first time they surpass 400 in the fourth day. Their best run chase till  date at home is when they 324-5 against Pakistan in 1994.

South Africa who are in a serious chase to become the number one team would require to win to whitewash the Kiwis in the three match test series.

By Indian Sports News Network