Quinton de Kock scored a fine century while pace spearhead Dale Steyn struck twice with the ball to keep South Africa on course for a series whitewash against Pakistan in the third and final Test at the Wanderers.

The visitors were set a target of 381 and despite a fine start, reached stumps at 153-3 needing 228 more to win in the Johannesburg Test.

Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood got Pakistan off to a fine start, putting on 67 with the help of some attacking cricket.

Both looked comfortable on a pitch which surprisingly didn’t play as many tricks as expected.

However, Steyn changed ends and struck immediately, getting Imam caught behind for 35. Four overs later Steyn took the scalp of Masood after a decision review found a faint edge behind to keeper De Kock.

Series hero Duanne Olivier then dismissed Azhar Ali with the batsman gloving a bouncer to the keeper. Asad Shafiq (48 not out) and Babar Azam (17 not out) took Pakistan to close of play with an unbroken stand of 49.

Earlier, De Kock and Hashim Amla helped South Africa post a massive target. Amla made a patient 71 off 144 balls and added 102 for the sixth wicket with De Kock. The keeper also starred in an eighth wicket stand of 79 with Kagiso Rabada.

De Kock made 129, equalling his best Test score, before the Proteas were bowled out for 303.