'Batting pair key for the Proteas'

PRINCE: SA'S FIRST INNINGS TOTAL IS VERY IMPORTANT

- Wesley Botton

If Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne can compile a decent partnership, Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince believes they can give the national team the upper hand today on the third day of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Spin bowler Keshav Maharaj played a key role yesterday, taking 7/102 and ripping through Pakistan's tail as the hosts were bowled out for 333 runs.

In response, the Proteas struggled in the early stages of their first innings, but they put up a fight to keep themselves in the hunt.

When stumps were drawn, South Africa had reached 185/4 in their first innings, trailing the hosts by 148 runs with six wickets remaining.