Kuala Lumpur, Feb 29: Batting well under overcast conditions, South African batsmen set a challenging total of 260 runs for Pakistan in the second semi final at Kuala Lumpur. A collective effort from Smuts, Rossouw, Vandiar`s and late surge Reeza Hendricks saw SA colts get past 250 runs.

Just when it looked that Pakistan were on with the chase scoring 86/2, rain stopped play at Kinrara stadium. Pakistan lag behind the required winning target when rain stopped play by 4 runs but they still have 1.1 overs before D/L can come into effect according to the ICC rules.

Earlier, the pitch did absolutely nothing for the fast bowlers in terms of swing and seam movement, even though the skies were overcast, and South Africa batted sensibly. Rossouw, who played a calm innings to secure a victory against West Indies, joined Smuts and was confident from the outset. He began by hoisting medium-pacer Mohammad Rameez off his hips to the midwicket boundary and then cut Raza with precision through a tiny gap at point.

South Africa stumbled to 142 for 3 with two brand new batsmen at the crease. Pakistan used the opportunity to slow up the run-rate and Wasim removed three batsmen - Mohammad Vallie, Wayne Parnell and Roy Adams - when partnerships threatened to build. However, Jonathan Vandiar, who has batted aggressively throughout the tournament, kept the momentum going from one end with a plucky half-century.

He played several orthodox cuts and drives interspersed with inside edges during his run-a-ball 50 and ensured that the initiative was not lost. Hendricks arrived right at the death overs to strike four fours in his 24 as Pakistan`s fielding grew increasingly ragged, allowing South Africa to score 70 off the final ten overs.

The challenge that faces Pakistan under lights is an imposing one: they haven`t made 200 in the tournament, their top-order hasn`t fired, and South Africa have a disciplined bowling attack backed up by an excellent fielding outfit. If Pakistan do manage to chase successfully, it will be the highest run-chase of the tournament.

The winner of the second semi final will take on India in the finals on Sunday.