Pune: Tailenders Keshav Maharaj and Vernon Philander set an example of gutsy batsmanship as South Africa fought hard against a quality attack but could not stop India from taking a massive 326-run lead on the third day of the second Test here.

While a total of 275 in 105.4 overs is far from India's mammoth first innings total of 601, the 109-run ninth wicket stand between Philander (44 not out) and an injured Maharaj (72) showed what the top-order could have done. It will be interesting to see if India captain Virat Kohli enforces a follow on or give his bowlers more rest before unleashing them, eyeing a series-clinching victory.