Hall twin strikes keep South Africa on top

CAPE TOWN, Jan 27 (Reuters) Medium pacer Andrew Hall struck twice in successive overs to leave Pakistan reeling at 117 for six in their second innings as the third test headed for a swift conclusion today.

The visitors were just 91 runs ahead at tea on day two after five wickets fell after lunch. Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was 19 not out with Mohammad Sami on two.

South Africa were all out for 183 in the morning, taking a slender lead of 26 after skittling out Pakistan for 157 on day one on an unpredictable pitch, grassy at one end and bare at the other.

Pakistan, 22 for one at lunch, were in further trouble when Dale Steyn trapped Imran Farhat leg before for 13 in the second over after lunch.

Fellow fast bowler Makhaya Ntini had Younis Khan caught behind for a seven-ball duck three overs later.

Hall bowled Mohammad Yousuf off his pads with an inswinger for 18 and then had the aggressive Yasir Hameed caught at backward point for 35.

Pakistan were down to 111 for six close to tea when Kamran Akmal was stumped for six against left-arm spinner Paul Harris.

South Africa, 131 for five overnight, lost five wickets for 52 runs in 14 overs in the morning.

Mark Boucher's unbeaten 40 with five fours and two sixes gave them the slender lead.

Mohammad Asif took three for 53 and leg spinner Danish Kaneria three for 44.

REUTERS SAM RK2015