Despite the second day being washed out due to rain, South Africa continued the good work they did on the opening day of the second Test vs Australia at Hobart.
Resuming at 171/5 with a healthy 86-run lead, Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma ensured the visitors held the upper-hand in the first session of the play.
Both players were impressive as they shared a massive 144-run partnership for the sixth wicket. de Kock then reached his second Test century while Bavuma played a gritty knock of 74 against a determined Australian bowling attack.
Vernon Philander, who impressed with the ball in the first innings with five-wicket haul, also played a handy cameo at the end as his 32(28) ensured visitors posted 326 on the board at the end of their first innings.
In reply, hosts Australia suffered an early blow as Kyle Abbott got rid of Joe Burns in the very first over.
However, Khawaja, along with David Warner, made sure that the hosts didn’t slump any further in the opening overs as the duo added a crucial 79-run partnership for the second wicket.
Warner, who looked comfortable in the middle, was sent back by Abbott yet again as Australia were reduced to 79/2. Captain Steve Smith and Khawaja then made sure that Australia didn’t suffer further hiccups in the day as the duo’s unbeaten 42-run stand ensured hosts ended the day with a lot of fight left in them .
They still need to overcome a 120-run deficit before posting a target for South Africa. Despite their much improved batting performance in the second innings, Australia are still struggling to find the feet in the ongoing test as they can go 2-0 down if they lose the match.