Opener Imran Farhat scored a flawed half-century to steady Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion on Sunday.

Pakistan were 160 for four in their second innings at lunch, a lead of 56. South Africa were dismissed for 417 in reply to Pakistan's first innings of 313.

Farhat survived two dropped catches, both off fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, before being dismissed for 68 in the third over before lunch.

Pakistan had not added to their overnight score of 103 for two when Farhat, on 41, edged the third ball of the day's play through the hands of Jacques Kallis at second slip.

Four overs later, with Farhat on 47, Mark Boucher dived to his left to try and take a catch one-handed, but the ball spilled from the wicketkeeper's glove.

Medium pacer Shaun Pollock made the initial breakthrough for South Africa in the 10th over of the day when he trapped Younis Khan in front for 38 to end a partnership of 57.

Farhat finally fell when he prodded forward to a delivery from left-arm spinner Paul Harris and was caught by AB de Villiers at silly point.