Azhar's half-century helped Pakistan to 187 for three in their second innings at lunch on the fifth day of the first test against South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan began the day on 109-2, needing to bat out two sessions to save the match or score an unlikely 451 to win it, Ali eventually fell for 63 before lunch.

Captain Misbha-ul-Haq (14 not out) and Younus (46 not out) battled gamely to extend their partnership after lunch.

Set 451 to win, Pakistan lost openers Mohammad Hafeez (34) and Taufiq Umer (22) after both gave their team a confident 41-run start.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis hoped his team can pull it off.

Earlier, Kallis made 135 and Amla 118 as Pakistan, left a bowler short after paceman Wahab Riaz's injury on the first day, toiled hard against the two right-handed batsmen before Graeme Smith declared the second innings at 318-2.