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Mishra provides the early breakthrough

Mild showers through the night delayed the start of play on Day 4, much to the frustration of the Indian team.

South Africa started the day with a boundary, Graeme Smith edging one through the vacant slip region off Zaheer Khan. Interestingly, India decided to give the new ball to Harbhajan Singh, who started from the other end ahead of pacer Ishant Sharma.

Zaheer was unlucky not to pick an early wicket. He got the edge off Alviro Petersen's bat, but the ball flew just wide of VVS Laxman at second slip for a boundary, as South Africa reached 19 after five overs.

However, it was Amit Mishra who provided the breakthrough, when he trapped Smith leg before wicket with his first delivery of the second innings. Smith tried to play one on the leg side but missed the ball and was struck right in front of the stumps after scoring 20 from 33 deliveries.

Harbhajan snaps Petersen

With the Day 4 pitch helping the spinners, it didn't take long for Harbhajan to strike.

He picked up first innings centurion Petersen, having the right-hander caught at short-leg by S Badrinath for 21.

Harbhajan should have picked his second wicket, but Murali Vijay, at backward short leg, failed to react in time to Amla's inside edge, in the 20th over.

Amla holds the key

With still 232 runs to avoid an innings defeat, Hashim Amla holds the key for the Proteas.

The in-form batsman is at the crease on a solid 49 from 80 deliveries, which includes seven boundaries, along with Ashwell Prince, who is yet to open his account.

Rains plays spoilsport

Just when India looked on top of the visitors, rain played spoilsport, forcing an early finish to the day's play.

With rain forecast for Day 5 as well, India can only hope and pray for some uninterrupted play to get the remaiming wickets.