Markram's century reduces South Africa target to 151 in 2nd test

Aiden Markram hit a defiant fifth-test century and narrowed South Africa's target to 151 runs on last day of second test against Pakistan on Monday.

Markram was unbeaten on 100 off 221 balls and Temba Bavuma was shaping up well on 44 as Proteas reached 219-3 at lunch.

South Africa, in pursuit of a 370-run target, still has minimum of 65 overs and seven wickets still hand to level two-match series after Pakistan won first test by seven wickets.

Markram has batted just over five hours, and raised his first test hundred outside South Africa on last ball before lunch when he pushed Faw Alam to wide mid on for a single.

26-year-old Markram batted resolutely, hitting 12 fours and three sixes, as Pakistan struggled to get furr inros after striking early on last day.

Fast bowler Hasan Ali’s (2-46) twin strike within first half an hour h pushed South Africa to 135-3 after tourists resumed on 129-1.

Rassie van der Dussen (48) was beaten by Hasan’s late swing off third ball of day and was clean bowled before Faf du Plessis (5) was trapped leg before wicket off a delivery which kept a bit low.

Van der Dussen laid a foundation of 370-run chase by ding 94 runs with Markram before he was undone by Hasan's reverse swing.

Du Plessis woeful series ended after most experienced South African batsman could score only 55 runs in four test innings.

But Markram and Bavuma dug in against pace and spin by raising 84-run partnership at nearly three runs an over which has raised Proteas hopes.

Pakistan, which h a 71-run first-innings le, set up a target of 370 runs after it was bowled out for 298 in second innings with Mohamm Rizwan scoring a century.