Cricket: New Zealand 168 South Africa 442 for 1 - S Africans in record stand

HERSCHELLE GIBBS and Jacques Kallis put on a record unbeaten second- wicket stand of 315 as South Africa established a lead of 274 to take into the final day of the second Test against New Zealand.

Gibbs finished the fourth day on 211 with Kallis keeping him company on 148 as the tourists advanced their first innings total to 442 for 1 in reply to the Kiwis' 168. This total should be enough to allow the South Africans to declare on their overnight score and have a day to bowl out the hosts for a second time in a match they have dominated despite the time lost to the weather.

Although it was an admirable batting display by Gibbs and Kallis, the duo dawdled at a run rate of 2.7 runs an over through the innings despite the strength of their team's position. South African captain Hansie Cronje preferred to bat through the afternoon session rather than declare as most people had expected.

Cronje will be without fast bowler Allan Donald, who is suffering from strained stomach muscles, for the New Zealand innings and he may have left himself insufficient time to bowl out the hosts on the good batting wicket.

Gibbs' previous top score in 12 Tests was 54. Like Daryll Cullinan's 275 in the drawn first Test, it was an innings of fine concentration. He batted 10 and a half hours, faced 468 balls and hit 23 fours and three sixes.

Kallis' century was also his highest Test score and his fourth Test hundred. He batted for over seven hours, faced 340 balls and hit 17 fours and one six. Their partnership was the highest for the second wicket by South Africa, beating Kallis' own record of 238 with Gary Kirsten against England in Manchester last year.

Despite their dominance over the attack both Kallis and Gibbs appeared only able to bat at one pace when, especially after the rain interruptions, it appeared that South Africa needed to score their runs more rapidly.

Fourth day; New Zealand won the toss

NEW ZEALAND - First Innings 168

SOUTH AFRICA - First Innings

(Overnight: 247-1)

G Kirsten c Astle b Vettori 65

H H Gibbs not out 211

J H Kallis not out 148

Extras (12lb 6nb) 18

Total (for 1, 162 overs) 442

Fall: 1-127.

To bat: D J Cullinan, *W J Cronje, J N Rhodes, S M Pollock, M V Boucher, L Klusener, A A Donald, P R Adams.

Bowling: Doull 25.5-9-48-0 (1nb); Allott 43-11-109-0 (2nb); Nash 22-5- 46-0 (2nb); Astle 18.1-2-76-0 (1nb); Vettori 24-6-73-1; Stead 1-0-1-0; Harris 28-9-77-0.