Jacques Kallis, who raced to 57 not out off just 65 balls, and AB de Villiers (33 not out) had steadied South Africa's innings with an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 81 at the break. Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmad bowled 3 batsmen.
Pakistan have selected three seamers in Mohammad Sami, Tanvir Ahmed and Umar Gul with just one frontline spinner, orthodox left-armer Abdur Rehman.
Saeed Ajmal and Umar Akmal have been dropped while Wahab Riaz is injured. Tanvir will be making his test debut, as will batsman Asad Shafiq.