Pakistan have their backs to the wall

The visitors bowled out Pakistan for 206 runs one over after lunch for a first innings advantage of 151 after fast bowler Makhaya Ntini took three wickets in an over before the interval. Pakistan’s former captain, Inzamam-ul Haq added just four runs to his overnight total of 10 before being caught behind off Kallis after Pakistan resumed on 140 for four. Ntini finished with 3 for 42 while left arm spinner Paul Harris took 3 for 57.

There was more bad news for the home side when pacer Mohammad Asif retired with an elbow injury after bowling just four overs. Asif has struggled with his elbow since last year and the problem forced him to miss the 2007 World Cup.

The final session belonged to South Africa with Kallis (37) continuing his golden form in the series to take his tally to 351 so far in the two Tests. Kallis and Smith ground the bowlers down with a mixture of caution and positive play after South Africa lost Herschelle Gibbs (16) and Hashim Amla (17) before tea in a total of 66 for two.

Earlier Misbah, who hit six fours in his 93-all innings put on 39 with Rehman after Pakistan had slumped to 150 for six. Misbah eventually became Ntini’s first victim when he played a loose shot and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.

Ntini, who has struggled for form, trapped Gul leg before with his next ball and had Danish Kaneria caught behind by Boucher off his final delivery of the over. It was Boucher’s 400th dismissal in test cricket and he is the first keeper to achieve the honour.

SCOREBOARD

South Africa (1st innings): 357

Pakistan (1st innings): S Butt c Smith b Harris 40; K Akmal c Smith b Harris 52; Y Khan b Nel 3; M Yousuf lbw b Steyn 25; I ul Haq c Boucher b Kallis 14; Misbah-ul-Haq c Boucher b Ntini 41; S Malik c Amla b Steyn 1; A Rehman not out 25; U Gul lbw b Ntini 0; D Kaneria c Boucher b Ntini 0; M Asif c Amla b Harris 4; Extras: (lb-1) ; Total: (all out in 63 overs) 206

Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-93, 3-99, 4-123, 5-149, 6-150, 7-189, 8-189, 9-189.

Bowling: Makhaya Ntini 8-1-42-3, Dale Steyn 12-3-60-2, Andre Nel 16-3-39-1, Paul Harris 20-5-57-3, Jacques Kallis 7-3-7-1.

South Africa (2nd innings): G Smith batting 75;H Gibbs c Akmal b Gul 16; H Amla b Rehman17; J Kallis not out 37; Extras: (8b, 1nb) 9; Total: (For 2 wickets in 55 overs) 154

Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-66.

Bowling: Mohammad Asif 4-1-14-0, Umar Gul 12-2-40-1, Danish Kaneria 21-4-54-0, Abdul Rehman 18-3-38-1.