Prince century puts South Africa on top against Pakistan

CENTURION, South Africa, Jan 13 (Reuters) Ashwell Prince scored his sixth century to give South Africa the lead on the third day of the first test against Pakistan in Centurion today.

Prince was dismissed for 138 with what became the last ball before lunch, which South Africa reached on 356 for five in reply to Pakistan's first innings total of 313.

The dismissal ended a dominating fifth-wicket stand of 213 and left Herschelle Gibbs alone at the crease on 88 not out.

The patient, diligent Prince batted for almost six hours in which he faced 214 balls and hit 19 fours.

Prince, who took guard when South Africa's third wicket fell six overs after lunch on Friday, was finally removed when leg-spinner Danish Kaneria had him stumped by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Prince advanced down the crease and swiped at the delivery as Akmal gathered the ball but missed with his first attempt at the stumps.

As Prince scrambled back towards safety, Akmal removed the bails just in time to send him packing.

The rest of the session belonged to South Africa, who added 102 runs to their overnight total of 254-4.

Fast bowler Mohammad Asif claimed the first four wickets to fall in the innings and went to lunch with figures of 4-78 from 23 overs.

REUTERS AY BST1647