South Africa lead India by 61 runs (Lunch report)

Durban, Dec 29 (IANS) South Africa took a 61-run first innings lead as they reached 395/7 at lunch on Day 4 of the second and final cricket Test match against India in Kingsmead here Sunday.

Resuming the day at 299/5, South Africa put on 96 runs in 35.1 overs at a run rate of 2.73 in the first session. However, they lost veteran Jacques Kallis (115) and Dale Steyn (44) during the period.

Playing in his last match, Kallis was given a guard of honour by the Indian cricketers when he came out to bat with Steyn. Kallis showed all his experience to notch up his 45th century in possibly his last innings of his Test career.

The right-handed veteran was pure class as he put on an 86-run sixth wicket partnership with Steyn and hit 13 boundaries in the process.

However, while attempting a sweep off spinner Ravindra Jadega, he top edged a delivery which was safely pouched by Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the wicket. Kingsmead rose to a standing ovation and Kallis saluted the crowd by raising his bat and soaked in the applause.

In the process, left armer Jadeja took his second five-wicket haul of his career.

Three runs later, Steyn also departed after playing a stoic innings which included seven boundaries. He edged a Zaheer Khan delivery and was also picked up by Indian skipper Dhoni behind the stumps.

Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson were batting on five runs apiece when tea was called.