South Africa stretched their lead over New Zealand to 191 runs by stumps on Day 4 even as rain threatens a possibility of a result ahead of the final day in the first Test at Dunedin.

Riding on another fine performance by in-form batsman Dean Elgar (89), the visitors posted a total of 224/6 after resuming on 38/1. Rain halted play twice on Saturday. More rain is forecast for the fifth and final day on Sunday.

If the weather gods permit, New Zealand will hope to pick up the last four South African wickets early on Day 5 and push for a result. They picked up three late wickets in the final session on Saturday, including the prized wicket of Elgar who skied one into the hands of Kane Williamson off Jeetan Patel.

Elgar, who had scored 140 in the first innings, once again proved to be New Zealand’s biggest hurdle. His knock held the innings together for the visitors after Hashim Amla was dismissed early in the day. Elgar was well supported by Faf du Plessis, who remained unbeaten on 56 when bad light ended play 20 minutes early on a tough day which produced only 186 runs and five wickets at University Oval.

Brief scores

  • South Africa 308 & 224/6 (Dean Elgar 89, Faf du Plessis 56*; Jeetan Patel 2/72) leadNew Zealand 341 by 191 runs.