Amla, Prince steady South Africa

CENTURION, South Africa, Jan 12 (Reuters) Hashim Amla and Ashwell Prince steadied South Africa's reply on the second day of the first test against Pakistan today.

South Africa were 130 for three at tea in reply to Pakistan's first innings of 313. Amla was 62 not out with Prince on 30 in a stand of 77 for the fourth wicket.

Earlier, fast bowler Makhaya Ntini took five for 83 as Pakistan were dismissed an hour before lunch.

Pakistan resumed on 242 for five and Inzamam-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal seemed set to build on the unbroken stand 38 they shared yesterday.

But in the fourth over Inzamam attempted to pull a delivery from Ntini and was caught by Amla at deep square leg for 42.

Captain Inzamam was one of seven Pakistanis who lost their wickets to failed pull strokes as the visitors sacrificed five wickets for 71 runs in 12.5 overs today.

Fast bowler Mohammad Asif ensured South Africa went to lunch with furrowed brows when he dismissed Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers to reduce the home side to eight for two.

Asif (3-34) struck for the third time in the sixth over after lunch when Jacques Kallis (18) was caught at second slip.

Reuters PDS RN2013