The long-standing opening struggle seems to have been resolved with a 111 runs partnership in the first innings.
After winning the toss on a sunny day South Africa decided to bat first. The openers were patient and sensibly tackled the early movements of the ball.
Sarel Erwee and Dean Elgar batted beautifully after the first 8 overs and lashed out at loose deliveries. However, Tim Southee remained economical and got rewarded in the 36th over in praying on Dean Elgar.
Sarel Erwee, a replacement of Aiden Markram, remained the star of the day with a promising century of 108 runs. Soon after the century, Matt Henry dismissed him by nicking him behind the wickets.
Aiden Markram, too, showed some promising and constructive batting style. But soon fell victim to left-arm pacer Neil Wagner.
Kyle Jamieson remained wicketless and gave 59 runs in 20 overs. Tim Southee, on the other hand, bowled 21 overs with consistency and gave 41 runs and bagged the key wicket of Dean Elgar.
Neil Wagner and Matt Henry, both shared one wicket each. However, De Grandhomme and Jamieson, as mentioned, remained wicketless despite a good effort.
First-day pitch behaved batting-friendly throughout the day. Bowlers, too, found the reward when they pitched into the right areas.
At stumps, South Africa looks in a commendable position. The two key batsmen, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma, have already established partnerships of 39 runs.
When the next day starts, they will be keen to stretch to a 100 runs partnership. New Zealand at their home ground can always turn the match upside down.
Knowing that 2-3 early wickets can change the momentum of the game, New Zealand bowlers will try to hit the right areas with more accuracy.
Dean Elgar scored 41 runs and Aiden Markram scored 42 runs. Bavuma is batting at 22 and Van Der Dussen at 13. In another perspective, the match looks to be equally poised at the moment. Thereafter, whoever has the nerves to control the game will have a better chance of winning the match.