Dunedin, March 11 (IANS): South Africa scored 224/6 in the second innings, taking their lead to 191, on the fourth day of the first cricket Test match against New Zealand here on Saturday.

Faf du Plessis (56) and Vernon Philander (1) were at the crease when bad light halted the play 20 minutes early.

Dean Elgar (89) and Faf du Plessis (56 not out) emerged stars on the penultimate day as the Proteas ended the day with six wickets in hand.

Elgar, who shone despite the gloomy conditions at the University Oval ground here, however, was dismissed when he tried to up the tempo in the last session. He skied a Jeetan Patel delivery which was taken by Kane Williamson running to his right from mid-off.

Middle-order batsmen Hashim Amla (24), Jean Paul Duminy (39) also contributed to the cause but they were dismissed under 50 overs.

Next batsmen Temba Bavuma (6) and Quinton de Kock (4) failed to step up to the occasion as they were sent packing in 96th and 98th overs respectively.

For New Zealand, pacer Niel Wagner and Patel scalped two wickets each while Trent boult and Mitchell Santner chipped in with one wicket each.