South Africa fight back after big stand

CENTURION, South Africa, Jan 11 (Reuters) South Africa fought back after half-centuries by Yasir Hameed and Younis Khan had put Pakistan on top on the first day of the first test today.

Pakistan, who won the toss and chose to bat, were 242 for five when bad light ended play six overs early. Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was 35 not out with Kamran Akmal on 18.

Hameed scored 65 while Younis scored 68. They shared a partnership of 133 for the third wicket after Pakistan had slipped to 50 for two in the second hour of play.

They were dismissed three overs apart after tea. Younis top-edged a pull off medium-pacer Shaun Pollock and was caught by Andre Nel at fine leg then Hameed's pull shot off fast bowler Nel was caught by Makhaya Ntini at deep square-leg.

Seven overs later fast bowler Jacques Kallis had Faisal Iqbal caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for one.

The catch was Boucher's 367th in test matches, which put him ahead of Australian Ian Healy for the most catches in test cricket.

Healy still holds the record for the most dismissals with 395, 13 more than Boucher.

REUTERS PM BD2146