JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore hailed an “incredible” performance by South Africa's pace attack after his team were bundled out for a record low of 49 on the second day of the first Test at the Wanderers.

“I've never seen two hours of relentless, incredible pace bowling such as I have witnessed today,” said Whatmore.

Dale Steyn was the main destroyer, taking six for eight in 8.1 overs as Pakistan slipped below their previous lowest total of 53 against Australia in Sharjah in 2002/03.

South Africa did not enforce the follow on and took command of the match, posting 207 for three in their second innings to take an overall lead of 411 into the third day.

Captain Graeme Smith (52), Hashim Amla (50 not out) and AB de Villiers (63 not out) hit half-centuries.

“Most of our batsmen got out to terrific balls,” said Whatmore. “I'm very disappointed with the result but you really need to give credit to the opposition. It wasn't an easy wicket by any means but the way they bowled was incredible.”

Steyn said a pep talk by Smith before play had fired up the South African players, who had been bowled out for 253 on the first day.

Whatmore said that although Pakistan had bowled out South Africa relatively cheaply he knew that it would be a difficult day for his team.

“Personally I thought (South Africa's) 253 was not a bad score given the conditions of that pitch and knowing what the South African bowlers can do,” he said.

Asked whether he thought the pitch was too difficult for the second day of a Test match, Whatmore responded: “It looked that.”

Commenting on Misbah-ul-Haq’s dismissal, Whatmore said the review decisions were “part and parcel” of the game.

“I'm not going to comment on that. Any comments will be done in the right channels,” he said.

The Pakistani captain was given out on review after Bowden turned down an appeal, although “hot spot” evidence showed only the faintest, momentary touch.