Bedingham’s career-best knock of 110 anchored South Africa’s second innings, supported by contributions from Keegan Petersen (43) and captain Neil Brand (34).
Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test
The tourists set New Zealand a challenging task, aiming to square the series 1-1 and prevent the Black Caps from securing their first-ever series win over the Proteas.
On the third day, New Zealand found themselves at 40/1 in their second innings at stumps, still needing 227 runs to secure victory.
Opener Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 21, while Devon Conway fell leg before wicket to Dane Piedt for 17 in the final over of the day.
Bedingham’s aggressive batting in testing conditions propelled South Africa to a competitive total of 235 in their second innings.
The 29-year-old’s fluent innings, comprising 12 fours and two sixes off 141 deliveries, proved pivotal in South Africa’s bid to level the series. His partnership with Petersen, worth 98 runs for the fifth wicket, provided the backbone of South Africa’s innings.
Despite New Zealand’s debutant seamer Will O’Rourke’s impressive bowling display, which saw him claim nine wickets in his debut Test, South Africa managed to build a substantial lead, setting a challenging target for New Zealand.
New Zealand’s offspinner Dane Piedt emerged as a key threat for the hosts in their run chase, having already taken five wickets in the first innings. With the pitch favoring slow bowlers, Piedt’s ability to exploit the conditions could pose a significant challenge for New Zealand’s batsmen.
(With inputs from AFP)