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NSW veteran Daniel Hughes has the chance to post his ninth first-class century when the Sheffield Shield match against South Australia resumes on day three.

NSW will need to go into overdrive in order to keep their finals hopes alive after rain and bad light affected day two of their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia in Sydney.

Only 48.2 overs were bowled on Saturday, with NSW reaching stumps on day two at 2-126 in reply to South Australia's 287.

NSW 30.82 points) sit fourth on the Shield table, with WA (32.49), Victoria (36.94) and Tasmania (38.96) ahead of them.

If NSW fail to beat South Australia, a win in the final round against Queensland may not be enough to earn them a top-two berth and a spot in the decider.

NSW veteran Daniel Hughes was the key figure on Saturday, cracking an unbeaten 71 off 99 balls to give his side a solid foundation.

Hughes, who is on course for his ninth first-class century, finished the day with 11 fours and a six to his name.

Matthew Gilkes (23no off 53 balls) was also unbeaten.

The Redbacks resumed on 8-257 on Saturday, and Ben Manenti (71) added 21 runs to his overnight score before being last man out in South Australia's total of 287.

Spinner Chris Green (3-69) and Jack Nisbet (3-50) were the pick of the bowlers, while Chris Tremain and Jack Edwards snared two wickets apiece.

NSW's innings started poorly when opener Sam Konstas (four) edged Spencer Johnson behind, and they were 2-78 when Blake Nikitaras (24) also nicked one to wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen.

An unbeaten 48-run stand between Hughes and Gilkes steadied the ship before bad light ended play early.