The West Indies were 200 for three at tea, with South Africa able to claim only one wicket on a day hit earlier by rain.

Sarwan was unbeaten on 79 and Gayle had scored 71. The West Indies needed a further 103 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Only half an hour of play was possible before lunch as the West Indies advanced their overnight second innings total of 44 for two to 63 without further loss.

Jacques Kallis made a breakthrough when he had Shivnarine Chanderpaul caught at backward point for 27 but Sarwan and Gayle scored freely as they added an unbeaten 101 for the fourth wicket.

Gayle, who resumed his innings after retiring hurt with a groin injury Sunday when he had 14, scored freely as he went to his second half-century of the match, while Sarwan provided solid support.

Gayle made his 71 off 80 balls with 13 fours, while Sarwan had batted for 229 minutes, faced 166 balls and hit 11 fours in his 79.

Sarwan's only moment of anxiety came when a short ball from Makhaya Ntini flew off the splice of his bat, just out of the reach of Andrew Hall at gully.

The South African bowlers were unable to sustain the pressure they exerted in the first innings, although Shaun Pollock again bowled immaculately without any luck, conceding only 25 runs in 14 overs.

All-rounder Andrew Hall bowled only two balls before pulling up, clutching his lower back. He left the field and his over was completed by skipper Graeme Smith.

South Africa lead the series 2-0.