South Africa strike early as Pakistan struggle

PORT ELIZABETH, Jan 22 (Reuters) Makhaya Ntini and Shaun Pollock struck early for South Africa as the hosts took three wickets on the fourth morning of an evenly poised second test against Pakistan today.

The tourists, who are chasing a winning target of 191, reached the lunch interval on 78 for three with Younis Khan 20 not out and Mohammad Yousuf on 12.

South Africa were dismissed for 124 in their first innings, to which Pakistan replied with 265.

The home side totalled 331 in their second innings.

Pakistan resumed on eight without loss, and fast bowler Ntini made the breakthrough in the seventh over when Imran Farhat, who scored seven, edged an expansive drive to Jacques Kallis at second slip.

Two overs later, Yasir Hameed was run out for six by Andre Nel's direct hit on the stumps at the non-striker's end from extra cover.

Pakistan slipped to 48-3 when Mohammad Hafeez was trapped in front by medium pacer Pollock for 32 with a delivery that seemed to be sliding down the leg side.

Pollock might have dismissed Khan for five in his next over, but he failed to hold a return catch that would have reduced Pakistan to 51-4.

Khan and Yousuf kept their stand of 30 intact despite taking several risky singles.

Khan survived a close call for being run out for nine by Ashwell Prince's underarm direct hit on the stumps.

REUTERS SAM BS1651