Gibbs hits 93 to steady South Africa

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, Nov 29 (Reuters) Herschelle Gibbs hit an unbeaten 93 to steer South Africa to a competitive 243 for eight in the fourth one-day international against India today.

Gibbs top-scored after coming to the crease when South Africa had slumped to six for two in the fourth over.

He anchored the rest of the innings, and shared half-century stands with Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock.

South Africa were rocked when left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan trapped Graeme Smith in front for nought with the third ball of the match.

Fast bowler Shanta Sreesanth added to the home side's woes when he yorked Loots Bosman without scoring.

Gibbs and Kallis consolidated with a stand of 69 for the third wicket that was ended when leg-spinner Anil Kumble had Kallis caught behind by wicketkeeper Mahendra Dhoni for 49.

Two overs later Kumble trapped AB de Villiers leg-before for 13, but Boucher helped Gibbs shore up the innings with a partnership of 61.

Medium pacer Virender Sehwag ended the stand when he trapped Boucher in front for 29 in the 35th over.

The Indians were jubilant two balls later when Justin Kemp attempted to cut the first ball he faced, bowled by Sachin Tendulkar, and was caught by Sehwag at point.

Kemp had smashed an undefeated 100 in the third match of the series in Cape Town on Sunday.

Gibbs and Pollock kept the hosts on track for a competitive total, though, with a stand of 61.

REUTERS PB BD2313