Misbah scores half century

Abu Dhabi - Captain Misbah-ul-Haq has scored a half century to rescue his tottering Pakistan team and take them to 134 for three on the fifth and final day of the second Test against South Africa on Wednesday.

Earlier South Africa took three wickets after lunch on the fifth and final day in the second Test against Pakistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Morning session

Pakistan were given a solid start of 66 without loss by lunch.

Openers Mohammad Hafeez (34) and Taufiq Umer (31) were unbeaten at the break as Pakistan needed another 288 runs in a minimum of 63 overs after South Africa declared their second innings at 203-5 in the morning.

With the pitch still not posing any danger for the batsmen the match is likely to end in a stalemate, ending the two-Test series without a result after the first Test in Dubai ended in a draw last week.

Both Hafeez and Umer hit four boundaries each as South Africa -- led by Jacques Kallis after captain Graeme Smith injured his finger on Tuesday and was unable to take to the field -- used five bowlers but met with no success.

Resuming at 173-4, South Africa, looking for some quick runs, added 30 in as many minutes before they declared the innings, giving their pace-cum-spin attack 82 overs to force a result.

Paceman Umar Gul removed Mark Boucher (15) in the second over of the day to check South African progress. Ashwell Prince remained unbeaten on 47, while Johan Botha finished with seven not out when the innings was declared.

Left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman, who hit a career-best 60 to save Pakistan from follow-on on Tuesday, finished with 3-81.

Teams

Pakistan - Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Adnan Akmal (wk), Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami, Tanvir Ahmed.

South Africa - Graeme Smith (capt), Alviro Petersen, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher (wk), Johan Botha, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel.