South Africa ended day three of the second Test match against Pakistan with a lead of 208 runs, closing in on a 2-0 series victory.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shan Masood initially formed a 205-run partnership to keep their side in the game.
Responding to South Africa’s first-innings total of 615, Masood (102 not out) reached a century late in the day, while Azam was dismissed for 81 by Marco Jansen shortly before stumps.
Pakistan had started the day at 64-3, trailing South Africa by 314 runs, with the hosts yet to bat for a second time.
After Azam’s departure, Pakistan suffered a collapse, losing their final seven wickets for just 76 runs, pushing them further toward a likely defeat.
At the close of play, the deficit stood at 208 runs, and Pakistan faces the daunting task of bridging that gap over the remaining two days.
The South African national team is set to face Australia in the World Test Championship final in June. This series against Pakistan marks their last Test match before the final.
Meanwhile, their opponents, Australia, secured their place in the final with a 3-1 series victory over India.
Former Test captain Azam had earlier put up a 98-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan (46) before being dismissed for 58 by Kwena Maphaka.
Second Test, day three, Cape Town
South Africa 615 (Rickelton 259, Bavuma 109, Verreynne 100; Abbas 3-94)
Pakistan 194 (Azam 58; Rabada 3-55) & 213-1 (Masood 102*; Jansen 1-56)
South Africa lead by 208 runs