Khaya Zondo scored an unbeaten 86 on day one of the four-day match against the England Lions in Canterbury.
Zondo, who will be hoping to replace the injured Temba Bavuma in the SA XI for the first Test against England next week, was involved in a 143-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (75). The two had come together with the team struggling on 129-5.
Openers Sarel Erwee (42) and Dean Elgar (39) got the innings off to a solid start, but Keegan Petersen (nine), Aiden Markram (10) and Ryan Rickelton (golden duck) all went cheaply.
The Proteas – who are giving 13 players game time in this match (11 batting, 11 fielding) – ended the day on 282-6.
Craig Overton was the hosts’ best bowler, taking 4-48, while Ollie Robinson picked up 2-56.
