Jacques Kallis hit his 11th Test century to lead South Africa through an occasionally fraught opening day of the first Test against Pakistan.

But there were bright spots throughout the day for the tourists - including Saqlain Mushtaq's 200th Test wicket.

Swing-friendly conditions meant South Africa could rarely relax.

Saqlain reaches 200

Saqlain's 200th Test victim was Dippenaar, caught behind for one The spinner is the 49th bowler to reach 200 Only 14 bowlers have passed the mark in less that his 46 Tests

Kallis, though, kept a level head to reach his first Test ton against Pakistan, and his first in Durban, from 207 deliveries.

When bad light brought a close 14.3 overs early, the hosts were 250 for five, with Kallis 104 not out and Mark Boucher unbeaten on 13.

A 122-run partnership between Kallis and Gary Kirsten, who hit 56, provided the bulk of the runs during the afternoon.

But Kallis was forced to rebuild the innings when Saqlain took two wickets with successive deliveries just before tea.

Pakistan were soon on top after play began 40 minutes late because of rain.

Graeme Smith fell in the sixth over, edging a Mohammed Sami outswinger to wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal.

And Herschelle Gibbs managed just 11 from a 41-minute stay before gaining a thick edge off Waqar Younis to gully.

Saqlain took his 200th wicket in his 46th Test

The third wicket pair regained the initiative quickly, each striking boundaries from the off against some loose bowling.

But, just after both men had reached half-centuries, Saqlain struck back.

A no ball robbed Saqlain of Kirsten's wicket, but the left-hander edged the very next delivery to slip for 56.

Dippenaar had only just got off the mark when he bottom-edged an attempted cut to Akmal, marking Saqlain's 200th Test wicket.

And Neil McKenzie was undone by Waqar's reverse swing to be bowled for 24.

If we can eke out 400 we'll be in a good position Jacques Kallis

With Wasim Akram unavailable and Shoaib Akhtar injured, the tourists opted for just three pacemen in Waqar, Sami and Abdur Razzaq.

South Africa made three changes to the side that recently completed a 2-0 rout of Sri Lanka.

Left arm spinner Nicky Boje replaced Andrew Hall, Dippenaar came into the side for Ashwell Prince and fast bowler Mornantau Hayward took Steve Elworthy's spot.

If Shaun Pollock's side win this two-match series they will overhaul Australia at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship table.

South Africa: Herschelle Gibbs, Graeme Smith, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Neil McKenzie, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock (captain), Nicky Boje, Makhaya Ntini, Mornantau Hayward.

Pakistan: Salim Elahi, Taufeeq Umar, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Abdur Razzaq, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Waqar Younis (captain), Saqlain Mushtaq, Mohammad Sami. Umpires: Steve Bucknor (West Indies), Srinivas Venkataraghavan (India). TV umpire: Ian Howell (Rsa). Match referee: Gundappa Viswanath (India).