CHRISTCHURCH, March 12: Herschelle Gibbs scored his maiden Test century as South Africa took complete command of the second Test against New Zealand here on Friday. South Africa, on 229 for one, built up a first innings lead of 61 on the second day and with a powerful batting line-up to follow, have New Zealand on the rack.Gibbs made painstaking progress to reach 101 at the close and was accompanied by Jacques Kallis on 53. South Africa started the day on 54 without loss after dismissing the Kiwis for just 168 on Thursday.Gibbs's innings was one of stoic defence and huge patience. It took him over six and a half-hours during which he faced 286 balls. He hit 11 fours and one six. He has been under pressure to perform at the Test level having made a high of 54 in his previous 12 Tests.Gibbs was stuck on 97 for 38 minutes and 18 balls but once he penetrated the off-side field for his 11th boundary, he quickly turned around to acknowledge the standing ovation of his team-mates.New Zealand's solitary success was when Gary Kirsten mishit a pull to Nathan Astle at midwicket off spinner Daniel Vettori to be out for 65.Kirsten, also batting cautiously, had looked on target to score his third successive Test century. He hit 11 fours in his 170-ball innings. Kallis was a mixture of aggression and defence. He immediately attacked Vettori, taking 10 and nine off successive overs, including one six.However, he was watchful when the second new ball was taken after tea and had several narrow escapes. He posted his 50 with a snick that went through the hands of first slip Bryan Young.It was a frustrating day for the bowlers. New Zealand bowled a tighter line than on Thursday or than they did in the drawn first Test, but they failed to secure wickets.The home side must now be concerned about their bowlers' lack of penetration. They managed just five wickets in South Africa's only innings in the first Test, when the Proteas amassed 621.Play ended half an hour early due to poor light. The stadium lights were switched on but the umpires ruled that the light was not good enough for using the red ball.Play had been due to go past the scheduled close due to rain in the morning but the time will be made up on Saturday.ScoreboardNew Zealand: (1st innings) 168South Africa (1st innings, overnight 54-0): Gary Kirsten c Astle b Vettori 65, Herschelle Gibbs batting 101, Jacques Kallis batting 53Extras (6lb, 4nb) 10, Total (for one wicket): 229Fall of wicket: 1-127Bowling: 17-5-38-0 (2nb), Astle 5.1-1-12-0, Vettori 21-5-62-1, Stead 1-0-1-0, Harris 12-6-14-0.
