Smith, AB flatten Pakistan

Graeme Smith smashed a double century and AB de Villiers hit a robust hundred to guide South Africa to a strong position in the must-win second cricket Test against Pakistan here on Thursday.

The South African skipper made 227 not out for his fifth double ton while De Villiers — dropped off the first delivery by wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal off paceman Mohammad Irfan — was unbeaten on 157 for his 17th Test century.

The duo plundered a hapless Pakistan attack to take South Africa to 460-4 at close on the second day, giving them a big 361-run lead with three full days to play to force a series-levelling win. Pakistan won the first Test by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi last week.

Smith and De Villiers have set an all time South African record for the fifth wicket in Tests with 326. 

PAKISTAN (I Innings): 99 all outSOUTH AFRICA (I Innings, O/n: 128/3)Petersen lbw Babar26Smith (batting)................................227 Elgar c Ali b Ajmal23Kallis lbw Ajmal7Steyn b Irfan7De Villiers (batting).......................157 Extras (B-4, LB-7, W-2)...................13 Total (for 4 wkts; 134 overs)......460 Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-91, 3-119, 4-134. Bowling: Irfan 27-4-84-1, Junaid 27-2-99-0, Ajmal 43.4-5-132-2, Babar 31.2-2-112-1, Azhar 5-0-22-0.