South Africa were 32 runs shy of winning the first test while Pakistan needed only two wickets for success as the contest headed to a thrilling finish on the fourth day at Centurion on Sunday. Mohamma

Rain delayed the start of the third day’s play in the first cricket test between South Africa and Pakistan with no play possible before lunch.

PRETORIA (Reuters) -Pakistan fought back to restrict South Africa to 82 for three wickets at the close of the opening day of the first test after being bowled out for 211 at Centurion on Thursday. Wickets for Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas saw Pakistan break through the top of the batting order to leave their hosts trailing by 129 runs at the close.

South Africa collapsed to 116-8 against Pakistan as fast bowler Mohammad Abbas ran riot on Day 4 of the first test with the tourists closing in on their first test win in South Africa in 18 years on Sunday.

South Africa's top-order stumbled against Pakistan's pace attack as the first cricket test headed towards an exciting finish after Marco Jansen's six-wicket haul had set the home team a tricky 148-run target.