Date:12/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/12/stories/2007101262432400.htm

Sport

Tough task for Pakistan

Smith ends century drought; Kallis hits another hundred

— PHOTO: AP

OOZING CONFIDENCE: Graeme Smith attempts a reverse sweep during the course of his maiden Test hundred in the sub-continent.

LAHORE: Pakistan made a strong start to its second innings on Thursday but still faces an imposing target to win the second Test against South Africa on the final day.

South Africa’s captain Graeme Smith and in-form Jacques Kallis hit patient centuries earlier in the day to help South Africa set up an improbable victory target of 457 runs for Pakistan.

Pakistan lost opener Salman Butt early, but then Kamran Akmal (49 batting) and Younis Khan (48 batting) steadied the innings to finish the fourth day at 108 for one — needing a further 349 runs on the last day to level the two-match series.

No team has ever successfully chased so many runs in Test history with West Indies holding the world record 418-run chase against Australia at Antigua in 2003.

Pressure on the host

“We are still in a strong position and the pressure is right on Pakistan,” Smith said.

“If we take two to three wickets upfront tomorrow (on Friday) in the morning then we will be able to run through them.”

Smith (133) got an overdue hundred and Kallis followed his two centuries in the first Test victory last week with an unbeaten 107 before South Africa declared its second innings at 305 for four at tea for an overall lead of 456 runs.

Kallis and Smith shared a double century partnership (207 runs) and frustrated a depleted Pakistan bowling attack for five hours.

Kallis notched up his 27th Test century off 231 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Kaneria (one for 99), who bowled nearly 45 overs, finally broke the partnership when Smith top-edged one to substitute fielder Yasir Hameed at point.

Asif sidelined

Pakistan had to rely on its spinners after Mohammad Asif was ruled out from bowling in the match. Asif bowled just four overs on Wednesday before he was sidelined.

“He has inflammation in the elbow, but hopefully he will be back for the one-dayers,” manager Talat Ali said. — AP