VVS Laxman (97) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni's (85) unbeaten century stand bolstered India's lead, as the hosts were at 548 for six at tea on the third day of the second and final Test at the Eden Gardens here today.
The duo's unbeaten seventh wicket association produced 164 runs in 267 balls which stretched India's lead to 252 runs.
Laxman's tryst with the Eden continued, as the stylish right-hander smashed his fourth Test half-century and 44th overall at this venue.
He started the proceedings on a slightly overcast morning hitting two boundaries in Dale Steyn's first over.
The Hyderabadi was three runs short of a deserving century.
His innings comprised 12 boundaries.
However, Laxman's stay at the crease was prolonged by two missed opportunities - one at 23 and another on 48.
The Indian captain, Dhoni, looking in belligerent form, completed his 19th Test 50 after he got a reprieve on 23.
Dhoni smashed one six and 10 boundaries in his 137-ball knock of 85.
Earlier, night-watchman Amit Mishra played a breezy cameo of 28 runs surviving edges, missed hits and even a dropped catch before being grabbed by Jacques Kallis at the second slip off Morne Morkel.
Mishra was the only success for the visiting side on a day, which has been completely dominated by the Indians.
South Africa leaked runs in torrents and looked clueless as Indians batted cautiously and kept punishing them for straying in line and length.
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