AB de Villiers hit a fighting fifty to delay Pakistan’s victory march over South Africa on the fourth day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The aggressive batsman was unbeaten at lunch on 52 and with him Faf du Plessis was eight not out, both having added 21 for the unbroken seventh wicket stand.

South Africa, on 6-130, still need 63 runs to avoid an innings defeat in the first Test of the two-match series.

Pakistan’s bowlers grabbed two wickets on the fourth morning to boost their chances on a Sheikh Zayed Stadium pitch offering good turn to their twin-spin attack led by Zulfiaqar Babar (2-16) and Saeed Ajmal (1-38).

Left-arm spinner Babar dismissed nightwatchman Dale Steyn (seven) and then paceman Jinaid Khan removed Jean-Paul Duminy (nought) as South Africa struggled against a spirited bowling attack.

Steyn had frustrated Pakistan in the first hour, playing defensively until the 12th over of the day when Babar was introduced into the attack and with his first delivery bowled the nightwatchman.

Duminy, who hit 57 in South Africa’s first innings of 249, survived just five deliveries before he was trapped leg-before by Khan, leaving South Africa tottering at 6-109. Khan had figures of 2-32.

Pakistan could have removed du Plessis, but wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal failed to catch a faint edge and missed the stumping as the batsman was out of his crease after playing the shot.

De Villiers brought up his 33rd Test half-century with a big six off Babar. He has so far hit four boundaries and a six off 106 balls.

The second and final Test will be played in Dubai from October 23.