ABU DHABI: South Africa lost momentum after a brisk start to their second innings but will take a lead of 323 runs over Pakistan into the final day of the second and final test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Hashim Amla, who became the third batsman after India's Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag to score a thousand test runs a calendar year, hit a run-a-ball 62 as South Africa reached 173 for four at the close on Tuesday.

Amla's departure in the sixth over after tea resulted in a loss of momentum with slow left-armer Abdur Rehman and off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez applying the brakes with economical spells.

Pakistan's tailenders had earlier frustrated South Africa who had dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq (77) with the first ball of the day, trapped lbw trying to drive a Dale Steyn in-swinger.

Rehman made his highest test score of 60 as Pakistan surpassed the follow-on mark of 385 before being bowled out for 434.

Rehman put on 59 with Tanvir Ahmed (30), who hit some swashbucking drives, in an entertaining and crucial ninth-wicket stand.

The first test in Dubai was drawn. – Reuters