Johannesburg, Feb 4 : South Africa's sure victory in the first Test at the Wanderers on Sunday was delayed about batsmen Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq fought back ferociously in a defiant fifth wicket partnership.
Pakistan were 183 for 4 at close, after given a huge task of 480 runs to win.
The first four wickets fell for 82 runs on Sunday, but captain Misbah (44 not out) held on, with his partner Shafiq, not out at 53. They added 101 runs till close.
Shafiq was almost out at the total on 155, when he edged an outswinger from Vernon Philander to Graeme Smith at first slip, but a TV replay showed Philander had bowled a no-ball.
Four balls later, Misbah got a reprieve when while driving a ball from Jacques Kallis, Robin Peterson dived to his right but failed to take the catch.
Earlier, AB de Villiers bit a ton (103 not out) and Hashim Amla made 74 runs before South Africa declared on 275 for three. 3 not out. de Villiers made his 15th Test century off 117 balls. He hit 11 boundaries.
Pakistan will never forget the 49 runs rout in the first knock at the hands of their hosts. In the second innings, Mohammad Hafeez was caught by de Villiers when he hit Philander to leg.
Left-hander Nasir Jamshed, playing his first Test, was out for 46 when he pulled Steyn to a catch at midwicket. Azhar followed three overs later for 18.
"With our bowling attack we really back ourselves to finish the game," said South Africa vice-captain AB de Villiers.
"A few cracks are opening up and the new ball will swing around."
Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore admitted that his team still faced a massive task despite the Misbah-Shafiq stand.
"What's important is that it gives a few of the other players a bit of confidence for the next couple of games in Cape Town and Centurion," said Whatmore.
