New Zealand's seamers wreaked havoc, decimating the top four Australian batsmen and leaving them reeling at 77-4 in their pursuit of 279 runs to win the second Test in Christchurch on Sunday.
Australia's batting lineup, including heavyweights Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Cameron Green, succumbed swiftly to the relentless attack from New Zealand's seamers, led by Matt Henry with figures of 2-37 and debutant Ben Sears contributing with 2-22. The tourists find themselves with a challenging task, requiring 202 more runs to secure victory.
As day three concluded, Mitchell Marsh stood firm at 27, not out, accompanied by Travis Head, unbeaten on 17.
The possibility of a draw is off the table, and with two days left and no rain in the forecast, New Zealand is determined to clinch their first win over Australia since 2011.
Australia, aiming to sweep the series after a commanding performance in the first Test, faced a stern challenge with the pitch flattening out and providing less movement.
New Zealand, having set a target of 300+ after reaching 345-6 at tea, initially had the momentum. However, the tide turned as Australia's bowlers rallied, limiting the tail to just 27 runs, with the last three wickets contributing only one run.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand's top order, including Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, all notched up half-centuries, but none managed to convert it into a century.
Latham, adding eight to his overnight score of 65, was caught behind Pat Cummins, breaking the opening partnership.
Ravindra and Mitchell, however, stitched together a crucial 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Hazlewood's breakthrough dismissed Mitchell for 58. Ravindra, on 82, fell prey to Cummins, caught behind by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Despite contributions from Glenn Phillips and Henry, Nathan Lyon's removal of Scott Kuggeleijn for 44 marked the end of the innings.
Cummins emerged as the most successful bowler with 4-62, while Lyon claimed 3-49.
Australia's momentum gained during the bowling innings was short-lived, as New Zealand's attack unleashed a torrid onslaught in a spirited 24 overs before stumps, sending key batsmen like Smith, Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Green back to the pavilion.
The fate of the match hangs in the balance, promising an intense battle in the remaining two days.
