Lighting problems in Durban restricted South Africa's ability to take a stranglehold on day three of the second Test against India.
When play was abandoned for the day, South Africa was 64 without loss in its second innings, a lead of 152 after India was earlier dismissed for 240.
India's hopes of finishing much closer to South Africa foundered with the dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar for 63 when he edged a ball from Makhaya Ntini to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher. Tendulkar looked in fine touch and secured his first half-century of the year but fell when attempting to play a ball to third man.
Sourav Ganguly followed two balls later for a duck and India was 125-5. Mahendra Dhoni worked with VVS Laxman to hold out the home attack, but at 179, with his score on 34, Dhoni succumbed to the bowling of Morne Morkel who bore a great deal of the bowling load for his side, despite having a dreadful day with no-balling problems. He over-stepped 11 times during the innings.
Laxman was in a patient frame of mind, battling all the way and several times wearing the ball. He suffered the loss of Anil Kumble who offered an extravagant drive at a ball from Morkel which was taken behind.
However, it was another rearguard action that provided some solace for India as Sreesanth hit 28 during a 52-run stand with Laxman. Once he fell the end came quickly with Laxman ending unbeaten on 50 from 156 balls.
Morkel took 3-86, and Ntini 3-41, but it was again Shaun Pollock who kept the clamps on with his bowling, sending down 14.5 overs and taking 1-17.
South Africa led by 88 runs and openers Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers looked full of intent as they set about extending the lead.
However, with light failing, and a power cut cutting out four of the five light towers at the ground, the umpires were forced to abandon play due to bad light.
