Sarwan saved the West Indies from potential collapse

Ramnaresh Sarwan's unbeaten 93 dug the West Indies out of a hole as they finished day four of the second Test against South Africa on 170-5.

West Indies restricted South Africa to a lead of 51 after Chris Gayle's four wickets cut their first innings to 398.

Things looked bleak when the hosts slipped to 86-4 but Sarwan excerted his steadying influence, supported by Dwayne Bravo (30) in a stand of 78.

Makhaya Ntini claimed three wickets to go with his six in the first innings.

The day had begun brightly for the West Indies as Gayle polished off all four remaining South African wickets for figures of 4-50, a reward after 32 wicketless overs the previous day.

We needed someone to bat through the day, and that became my responsibility Ramnaresh Sarwan More day four reaction

Overnight pair Mark Boucher (28) and Ashwell Prince (45) both fell in the second over of the morning.

Boucher offered a leading edge for Gayle to take the return catch and Prince only had time to add a boundary to his overnight score before being taken low by Shivnarine Chanderpaul at cover.

Ntini and Andre Nel followed them back to the pavillion, both bowled by deliveries that kept low.

Gayle's bowling heroics were not matched with the bat, though, as his thick edge off Ntini was caught brilliantly by gully fielder AB de Villiers in the short period before lunch.

And three quick wickets just before the tea interval looked to have turned the match South Africa's way.

Nicky Boje had Wavell Hinds lbw for 22 before bowling Brian Lara for four, then Ntini claimed the scalp of captain Chanderpaul lbw for one.

Ntini made Donovan Pagon his ninth victim of the match, and had the West Indies rocking on their heels.

But this brought Bravo to the crease to help Sarwan see out the rest of the session and give the West Indies a lead of 119 with five wickets in hand going into the final day.

Sarwan recorded his 22nd Test half-century, while local youngster Bravo's innings included three boundaries.

West Indies: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Donovon Pagon, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne, Daren Powell, Pedro Collins, Reon King.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Abraham de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, Monde Zondeki, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.

Umpires: David Shepherd, Aleem Dar, TV Replays: Billy Doctrove, Reserve: Terence Birbal. Match referee: Jeff Crowe