Ntini keeps South Africa on course for victory

DURBAN, South Africa, Dec 30 (Reuters) Makhaya Ntini took two more wickets today to keep South Africa on course for victory in the second test against India in Durban.

Bad light, which delayed the start of play by 55 minutes and halted proceedings after just 4.3 overs, seems certain to influence the outcome of the match.

India, chasing 354 for the win, were 47 for four at lunch on the final day. VVS Laxman was three not out with Sourav Ganguly yet to score.

South Africa were dismissed for 328 in their first innings amd declared their second on 265 for eight. India's first innings reply had been 240.

Fast bowler Ntini took four for 15 from 8.3 overs, claiming his last two wickets for one run in the 15 deliveries he bowled before lunch today.

Ntini struck with the fifth ball of the day, trapping Sachin Tendulkar in front for a seven-ball duck with a delivery that would have hit the top of middle stump.

Nine balls later Wasim Jaffer, who batted patiently for his 28, attempted to pull a short delivery from Ntini and top-edged a catch to Andre Nel at mid-on.

India won the first test in the three-match series by 123 runs in Johannesburg. The third test starts in Cape Town on Tuesday.

REUTERS AY DS1600