New Zealand lost their first five wickets for 45 runs but recovered to reach 187 for six at tea in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 276.

Oram was unbeaten on 57.

The tall left-hander put on 44 for the sixth wicket with Brendon McCullum (31) before he and Daniel Vettori (45 not out) frustrated the South African bowlers with an unbeaten seventh wicket stand of 98.

Makhaya Ntini plunged the New Zealand innings into disarray when he took the first three wickets.

Ntini bowled Hamish Marshall in his second over. Then he claimed the key wicket of New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, playing in his 100th Test, for nought.

Fleming pushed forward and the ball looped back to Ntini who flung the ball in the air. Fleming was given out caught and bowled by umpire Daryl Harper although replays showed the ball had come off his pad without contact with the bat.

Scott Styris was caught at gully for 17 before Shaun Pollock had opening batsman Peter Fulton caught behind for 14.

Nathan Astle edged a fast outswinger from Dale Steyn to Boucher, who took the catch to complete his 350th dismissal in Tests -- the fourth man in the world to reach the mark.

McCullum took the fight to the bowlers, hitting 31 off 30 balls before top-edging Jacques Kallis to backward point trying to play another aggressive shot.

Oram, playing in his first Test since November 2004, batted calmly and put away the loose deliveries to reach his fifty off 85 balls with nine fours, while fellow left-hander Vettori provided positive support.

Earlier James Franklin and Chris Martin took the last two South African wickets.

Franklin finished with four for 75 and was unlucky not to get a fifth wicket. Last man Ntini played and missed and the ball clipped the outside of his off-stump without dislodging the bail. Two balls later Steyn was dropped at point by Marshall off Franklin.