S Africa on top after Kallis hits second ton

KARACHI, Oct 4 (Reuters) Pakistan's Younis Khan and Faisal Iqbal shared a big stand to hold up South Africa's push for victory in the first test after Jacques Kallis hit his second century of the match on the fourth day today.

Younis (93 not out) and Faisal (44) put on 114 for the third wicket after Pakistan lost their openers quickly but left-arm spinner Paul Harris struck before the close to leave Pakistan on 146 for three, still needing 278 more runs to win.

The visitors declared before tea to set the hosts a target of 424, with Kallis becoming only the fourth South African to compile two centuries in the same test.

Harris had Faisal caught by Kallis at slip with a sharp turning delivery.

Younis was in a punishing mood, racing to 93 from 99 balls with 14 fours and a six.

GLORIOUS STROKES He and Faisal mixed caution with several glorious strokes after paceman Dale Steyn had removed Mohammad Hafeez (1) and Salman Butt (3).

The 31-year-old Kallis, who scored 155 in the first innings, struck an unbeaten 100 in the second as South Africa declared on 264 for seven.

''It's great to get two hundreds,'' Kallis told reporters.

''But we have an interesting day's cricket ahead of us and some hard work.'' It has been a spectacular return for Kallis after he was dropped for the recent Twenty20 World Cup.

He shared a stand of 88 with Ashwell Prince (45) before the latter played on to a ball from leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

Kallis then teamed up with Mark Boucher (29) to put on 56 and with Andre Nel (33) for another stand of 63.

Boucher and Nel were caught in the deep while debutant spinner Abdul Rehman took four for 105 for the second time in the match.

Steyn struck in the second over of Pakistan's second innings when Hafeez edged the ball on to his stumps.

The fast bowler then had Butt caught at short leg by Hashim Amla.

Younis was particularly severe on Graeme Smith, reverse sweeping South Africa's captain for two fours and clubbing a six over mid-wicket in one over, as he and Faisal shared Pakistan's first century partnership of the match.

REUTERS BJR PM1904