Misbah - whose position as head coach was in danger after a 2-0 defeat in the preceding series in New Zealand - said his team were now heading in the right direction.
Temba Bavuma hit 44 not out as the pair guided South Africa to 219-3, needing another 151 runs in pursuit of a daunting 370-run target in a possible 65 overs.
Rashid Latif Was Chosen as Head Coach and Chief Selector Before Misbah
Former wicket-keeper, Rashid Latif, claimed that he was chosen as the head coach and chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Team before the appointment of the current head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq.
Latif said that negotiations with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO, Wasim Khan, were successful and things looked all but confirmed before PCB Chairman, Ehsan Mani, refused to appoint him.
Latif said that the discussions went smoothly with Wasim Khan, but maybe Mani was not satisfied with the monetary aspects of the appointment.
ALSO READ سابق کپتان راشد لطیف کا سماء ٹی وی کو تہلکہ خیز انٹرویو کہتے ہیں مصباح سے پہلے کوچ اور چیف سلیکٹر کے عہدے پر بات پکی ہوگئی تھی احسان مانی نہیں مانے @iRashidLatif68@TheRealPCB@samaasportpic.twitter.com/Ovb7ZvRS96
Alam, playing his first Test at home, was unbeaten on 39 and Azhar was on 38 as Pakistan added 71 runs without losing any wickets in the morning session.