South Africa openers Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie stand on the brink of history after batting through the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
The Proteas closed on 405 without loss with Smith and McKenzie just nine runs short of beating the record opening partnership in Test history, set by India's Pankaj Roy and Vinoo Mankad against New Zealand in Chennai in 1956.
Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid came close to breaking the mark in 2006 but fell just four runs short against Pakistan in Lahore.
The odds are on Smith and McKenzie to achieve the feat against a toothless Bangladeshi attack.
Proteas captain Smith led the way, reaching 223 at stumps, with McKenzie closing on 169.
Afterwards Smith said: "There are a lot of boys in there happy we won the toss.
"When we got to 400 I said to Neil 'I never thought I would be a part of a 400-run opening partnership'."
McKenzie added: "I am really chuffed. I knew if I got in I had a chance."
The onslaught started early with the tourists racing to 92 by lunch. The duo saw off the new ball with few alarms on a benign pitch.
If the home side thought the afternoon session would see a break in concentration from Smith and McKenzie, they were mistaken - South Africa upping the tempo further.
Smith, leading the Proteas for a record 54th time, completed his 14th Test century and also brought up his 5,000th run in the longer form of the game.
His double century was also his fourth - another South African record.
McKenzie played the supporting role yet his innings was arguably more significant.
Looking to regain a regular place in the side, he patiently registered his third Test ton, seven years after his previous one.
He did offer a return chance to Mohammad Rafique when on 131 but, that apart, he played a beautiful innings.
Bangladesh pushed South Africa all the way in the first Test, holding their own until the third day when the Proteas pulled away.
But here they were hopelessly outclassed.
Only slow left-armer Shakib Al Hasan emerged with any credit, his 10 overs going for just 33.
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