South Africa defiant after Stokes show in their world record chase of 438 runs

Ben Stokes launched an astonishing assault which enabled England to give mselves plenty of time to push for victory, but tourists had to work hard to take two South African wickets before close on fourth day of second Test at Newlands on Monday. Set to make a world record 438 to win, South Africa were 126 for two at close. y used up 56 overs on Monday but will need to bat out ar 90 on Tuesday to prevent England from leveling four-match series.

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Proteas run chase & Stokes' stellar cameo

Opening batsman Pieter Malan, making his Test debut, scored 63 t out and shared half-century partnerships with Dean Elgar (34) and Zubayr Hamza, who was caught behind off James Anderson in penultimate over of day for 18. Stokes slammed 72 off 47 balls to overshadow a maiden Test century by Dominic Sibley, who continued his sedate progress as he took his overnight score of 85 to 133 t out.  He reached his hundred off 269 balls and faced 311 deliveries in his innings.

England's batting on Monday was in dramatic contrast to ir effort on Sunday when y ground ir way to 218 for four off 79 overs. Sparked by Stokes y added ar 157 runs off only 32 overs before declaring five overs after lunch on 391 for eight. While Sibley continued to play anchor role, Stokes went on attack against every bowler he faced. He survived a chance on 38 when an attempted pull against Kagiso Rabada could t be held by a diving Quinton de Kock after wicketkeeper ran about 35 metres in trying to take catch. 

Stokes was caught at long-on off left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj after an innings which included three sixes and seven fours and had a large English contingent in crowd roaring ir approval. Ollie Pope fell quickly but Jos Buttler continued attack, hitting 23 off 18 balls as lead went beyond 400.

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Faf du Plessis' tactic backfires

South African captain Faf du Plessis chose t to take second new ball when it was due after a maiden over by Dwaine Pretorius at start of play. He perhaps reasoned that Maharaj had a chance of dismissing Stokes early in his innings. tactic backfired, however, as 28 runs were added in five overs before new ball was taken, including sixes by Stokes off Pretorius and Maharaj.

Malan, out for five in first innings, survived a review for leg before wicket against Stuart Broad when he was on four but n batted with patience to tch a patient maiden Test fifty off 144 balls which included only two fours. England's first success was a first Test wicket for Joe Denly, who troubled left-handed Elgar with his leg-spinners into rough outside left-hander's off-stump, eventually having him caught behind off an edge so faint that Elgar unsuccessfully sought a review. 

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