South Africa declares after AB de Villiers ton to set Pakistan 480 to win first test

By Tristan Holme

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South Africa delivered a statement of intent on the morning of the third day as it declared its innings to set Pakistan 480 to win the first test.

Although Pakistan requires a world-record score to win, and was bowled out for its lowest test score of 49 in its first innings, it was a positive declaration from South Africa captain Graeme Smith given that the match had not reached the halfway stage.

After a boundary took AB de Villiers to 103 not out from just 117 balls, Smith immediately declared South Africa’s second innings on 275-3.

South Africa had resumed on its overnight total of 207-3, and De Villiers and Hashim Amla scored at will as they added 68 runs in just 45 minutes.

Amla, unbeaten on 74, was denied the opportunity of a 20th test hundred as the Proteas looked to bring the test to a swift conclusion.

South Africa bowled Pakistan out for just 49 on day two, with fast bowler Dale Steyn taking 6-8, to take a 204-run lead in the first innings.

05:24ET 03-02-13