Hughes (43 not out) and Katich (30) put on 55 for the first wicket off 16 overs before Katich was caught at gully by Paul Harris off Jacques Kallis.

Hughes and Australian captain Ricky Ponting (17 not out) continued to bat aggressively as Australia, who lead the three-match series 1-0, pressed to set South Africa an impossible target.

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It took Australia just three balls to take the last two South African wickets as the hosts were dismissed for 138 without adding a run to their overnight total.

Peter Siddle had Dale Steyn caught behind off the second ball of the morning and trapped Makhaya Ntini leg before wicket with his next delivery. It left JP Duminy stranded on 73 not out.

South African captain Graeme Smith, who suffered a broken bone in his right hand Saturday and had to retire hurt, did not resume his innings.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher led the South Africans onto the field for the second innings.