South Africa captain Smith falls short of ton

CAPE TOWN, Jan 4 (Reuters) South Africa captain Graeme Smith was dismissed in sight of his 12th test century in the third test against India today.

The home team were 206 for three in their first innings at lunch on the third day, a deficit of 208 runs.

Opener Smith was removed in the 10th over when his limp drive to a ball from leg spinner Anil Kumble was caught by Virender Sehwag at short mid-on.

Smith hit an aggressive 94 off 142 balls with 14 fours and a six, sharing a stand of 159 with Hashim Amla for the second wicket.

Fast bowler Shanta Sreesanth struck another blow for India three overs later when Amla chased a wide delivery and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for 63.

Smith had taken the game to the visitors, driving left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan through mid-on for two consecutive fours.

But only 33 runs were scored in 20 overs before lunch after Smith fell.

Jacques Kallis was 18 not out at lunch with Ashwell Prince on nine.

Kumble bowled 12 overs in the session and conceded 24 runs while Sreesanth reached the interval with two for 39 from 17 overs.

Reuters SAM VV1716