South Africa began chipping away at the Pakistan batting line-up on the third day, reducing them to 119 for two in the second test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Pakistan appeared to be on the skids when Dale Steyn trapped Mohammad Hafeez, playing across his front pad, leg-before for two in the first over, but by the time bad light stopped play with seven overs still to be bowled on the second day.

Azhar had moved briskly to 64 not out, with nine powerfully-struck boundaries, while Younis Khan had stuttered to 2 not out.

South Africa batted on for two overs after tea before captain Graeme Smith declared on 584 for nine as De Villiers went from 263 to 278 on the second day.

Scores: South Africa 584/9d (first innings)