IANS

Kolkata, Feb 18: With rain gods smiling on them, South Africa's experienced middle-order batsman Jacques Kallis is confident that his side will save the second cricket Test against India at the Eden Gardens.

India had South Africa on the mat Tuesday as the visitors needed 341 runs to save an innings defeat. But rain robbed 221 minutes of playing time on the fourth day here Wednesday -- though India made the most of the 34.1 overs possible during the day and reduced South Africa to 115/3.

The Test would not only decide the series but also the top slot among Test nations.

"A good day for us and the weather helped us today," Kallis said. "There is no reason why we can't survive 90-odd overs. The guys have good gameplans and if we can just keep positive and keep the pressure on India anything can happen."

Kallis said the wicket is ideal for batting despite the rains.

"The wicket is still very good, it is still good for batting. There is a little bit of a turn but not as much as you come across normally in the subcontinent. There is also not much in it for the seamers."

"Harbhajan (Singh) got a bit more bounce and he was bit quicker but there is not as much turn. The guys have faced the spinners well so far."

Hashim Amla (49), who has been in sublime form in the series, was holding the fort with Ashwell Prince (0) with South Africa at 115 for three at the end of the day's play.

"Hashim has been in great form and he needs to keep it going. I know he is hungry for that. He is mentally very strong, has good concentration, knows his limitations and gameplan very well and also executes it," Kallis said.

"But it is also an opportunity for Ashwell and JP (Duminy) to turn their form around. Runs obviously are important. They (India) were probably trying to defend as well as take wickets. We need to keep doing what we did today.