Steve Smith’s problems with Australia’s new opening batter continued as the veteran scored just nine runs and burned a review in New Zealand.
Smith lasted just 25 balls before Matt Henry caught him LBW at Hagley Oval. The former captain immediately removed the call but DRS did not save him and he was sent packing.
He has averaged 12.75 across the two Test matches this tour, with Smith moving up to the top of the order in place of the retired David Warner.
The hosts are poised to claim a drought-breaking victory over their arch-rivals after Australia wilted on day three of the second Test.
Chasing 279 for victory, Matt Henry and debutant Ben Sears smashed through the Australian top order at Hagley Oval on Sunday, leaving Australia dazed with 4-34.
Steve Smith was dismissed for just nine runs on Sunday in Christchurch
Travis Head and Mitch Marsh survived an onslaught through to stumps, but at 4-77 and with 202 to win, Australia have it all to do.
New Zealand flipped the script on decades of Australian trans-Tasman Test dominance on day three in Christchurch, cashing in on a day that held much promise.
Resuming at 2-134 and just 40 ahead, the Black Caps knew a strong second innings total could set them up for their first home Test win over Australia in 31 years.
Rachin Ravindra (82) and Daryl Mitchell (58) tallied half-centuries to set the tone, joining Tom Latham (73) and Kane Williamson (51) to post fifties on Saturday.
Even Scott Kuggeleijn made a contribution with the bat, hitting 44 off 49 to frustrate the Australian attack.
New Zealand’s final total of 372 was more than double each of their previous efforts with the bat throughout the two-Test series.
Australia bowled without penetration on a wicket which seemed to improve with each session.
Searching for answers, Pat Cummins offered eight of his XI the chance to bowl – even Marnus Labuschagne, who got a Bronx cheer after a short row wide with his first ball.
Cummins led the way with 4-62, including the wickets of Williamson, Ravindra and Latham.
Nathan Lyon (3-49) came late to the party and took three of the last four wickets.
Most New Zealand dismissals came from edges, with Alex Carey equaling an Australian all-time record with 10 catches behind the stumps.
Driving New Zealand forward, starting in the 11th over, Ravindra ticked the Kiwi lead to three figures by dancing down the wicket and hauling Lyon to the long-on boundary.
The 24-year-old increased his scoring rate and reached his half-century with a straight run off Mitch Marsh.
The Australian star has struggled as David Warner’s replacement at the top of the order
Ravindra faced criticism for two common dismissals in the first innings of this series, but in both Tests has bounced back with second-innings fifties.
He combined with Mitchell for a series-best 123-run stand that saw New Zealand sit comfortably at 3-278.
Both were caught behind soon after Australia took the new ball.
Tom Blundell (9) followed when Marnus Labuschagne dived well at cover, but the Australian No.3 then dropped Kuggeleijn at slip when he was on two.
Kuggeleijn and Glenn Phillips added another half-century partnership, increasing Australia’s task.
If the flat pitch gave hope to the Australian batsmen, Henry and Sears soon snuffed it out.
After his first innings 7-67, Henry was unplayable at times in a nine-over spell from the Botanical Gardens end, claiming both openers.
The 32-year-old caught Steve Smith (9) leading the way while Usman Khawaja (11) was brilliantly caught by Southee at third slip.
Debutant Sears had Labuschagne (6) caught and bowled from a leading edge, two balls after Mitchell dropped a sharp chance at second slip.
New Zealand need to take six more wickets to win the second Test against the Aussies
Cameron Green (5) was beaten for pace by Sears and played on.
While Marsh and Head steadied the ship, Australia remains a long way from home.
Lyon said Australia still had faith because of their batting depth.
“We have every confidence and every belief,” he said. ‘Everything is possible.’
Defeat to Australia would mean a series tie for second, following their home disappointment against the West Indies.
For New Zealand, it would salvage the series at 1-1 and bring a home win a generation of Kiwis has yet to taste.
“That would be a huge accomplishment,” Latham said.
“If it comes tomorrow, great, but … for us it’s about taking each ball at a time tomorrow.”