Francois du Plessis struck an epic 134 yet South Africa fell just short of chasing a world-record 458 in a drawn first Test against India at the Wanderers.
Du Plessis, aided by AB de Villiers’ 103, faced 309 deliveries in a stunning innings that left the Proteas on course to break new ground in a five-day encounter for the ages.
However, he was run out with 16 required from 3.1 overs, after which South Africa decided to shut up shop and take a draw - except for a couple of wild swings with fours balls left, the last of which resulted in a Dale Steyn six as they ended on 450 for seven.
The morning session started perfectly for the tourists when Alviro Petersen, who had played so well yesterday, inside-edged a Mohammed Shami delivery into his stumps.
Jacques Kallis responded in fine style, playing with great freedom to compile an eye-catching 34 that featured some stunning cover-drives.
However, in what seemed a monumental blow to South Africa’s efforts, he was given out lbw off Zaheer Khan – for whom the scalp was his 300th in Tests – despite a big inside-edge.
Yet that merely heralded the arrival of de Villiers alongside his good friend du Plessis.
The duo found the perfect antidote to a surface offering assistance to all bowlers, including some dangerous variable bounce.
While du Plessis was largely patient, with the exception of a series of fierce pull strokes, his partner was typically aggressive in a 205-run stand.
It ended when de Villiers dragged Ishant Sharma on with the victory line in sight, after which the door swung open for India when JP Duminy fell likewise to Shami.
Vernon Philander prospered via positivity, only for South Africa to stop their victory push after Ajinkya Rahane shattered the stumps with a direct hit.