A brilliant catch by Herschelle Gibbs sparked a West Indies second-innings slump that left South Africa in sight of a winning 3-0 series lead in the third cricket Test in Durban yesterday. Gibbs dived full length to his left at square leg to hold the chance that dismissed West Indies captain Brian Lara for 79, ending a third wicket stand of 160 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul that was keeping the touring team in the match.

However, Lara's departure began the collapse in which West Indies, 114 behind on first innings, tumbled from 201 for two to 214 for seven in seven overs.

When the close came 14.1 overs early due to bad light, West Indies were 246 for eight, 132 ahead.

South Africa, who already lead the five-test series 2-0, were bowled out for 312 in their first innings in the morning after resuming on 292 for eight.

Fast bowler Franklyn Rose captured one of the two remaining wickets to finish with his test-best of seven for 84.

Lara and Chanderpaul, who reached 75, produced West Indies' best batting of the series when they joined forces at 41 for two after the loss of Philo Wallace and Junior Murray. The Lara-Chanderpaul partnership kept their side in contention until Gibbs' stunning catch. Five balls later Chanderpaul was caught and bowled by Shaun Pollock.