Pakistan have set South Africa a target of 177 to win the second Twenty20 international in Cape Town.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first, going on to make 176-4 from their 20 overs.
Umar Akmal top-scored for Pakistan with a knock of 64 off 37 deliveries before he was caught by JP Duminy off the bowling of Dale Steyn.
Captain Mohammad Hafeez (63) and Nasir Jamshed (19) helped the side get off to a strong start, before they were dismissed by Steyn and Aaron Phangiso respectively.
Shahid Afridi (13*) and Sohaib Maqsood were at the crease at the close of the innings.
Steyn was the leading wicket taker for the Proteas with two dismissals, while Phangiso and Wayne Parnell claimed one apiece.