Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Fawad Alam put on an unbeaten century stand to rescue the hosts from early trouble and lead them to 145 for three at the close of a rain-shortened first day of the second Test against South Africa here on Thursday.

At stumps, Babar was batting on 77, having so far put on 123 for the fourth wicket with Fawad (42 not out).

South Africa had made inroads into the Pakistan top order when they reduced the home team to 22 for three, with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2/51) striking early with the new ball. He had opener Imran Butt (15) caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Babar and Fawad set about restoring the innings as the wicket lost some of its early morning venom.

Brief scores: Pakistan 145/3

(B. Azam 77 n.o., K. Maharaj 2/51).