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SA in the driver’s seat after Pak’s dismal show with the bat

Related Links : South Africa in Pakistan 2007/08 : Scorecard

Pakistan have batted themselves almost out of the series with a dismal show from their batsmen on the third day to concede a huge first innings lead of 151. South Africa were quick to grad the advantage by putting on a solid batting performance to end the third day at 154 for 2.

Resuming at 140 for 4, Pakistan got themselves into further trouble with Inzamam adding up only four more runs to his overnight score of 10. Captain Shoaib Malik too fell without any fight leaving Pakistan in danger of facing the follow on. A 39-run partnership between Misbah-ul-Haq (41) and Abdur Rehman (25) rescued the homeside from avoiding the follow-on. But all Pakistan got was 206 with their innings lasting just 63 overs. Makhaya Ntini and Paul Harris finished with three wickets each. All the five bowlers used by Graeme Smith were amongst the wickets.

In their second innings, South Africa once again lost Herschelle Gibbs (16) early. At the score of 66 for 2, the inform Jacques Kallis joined his skipper Graeme Smith and the two saw the day off comfortably. Graeme Smith got to an unbeaten 75 while Kallis got to 37. With already a lead of 305, South Africa will be looking to add another 150 more runs before getting Pakistan to bat in the last innings. It has now become really difficult for Pakistan to fightback for a win in this Test Match from this situation.