South Africa reached 123-1 at lunch on day five at Headingly as the second test against England heads for a draw.
The tourists began the day on 39-0, but lost only one wicket in the morning session, when Kevin Pietersen removed Jacques Rudolph leg before wicket for 69 just before lunch.
Rudolph and captain Graeme Smith shared a partnership of 120 for the first wicket as South Africa reached 123-1 at lunch, for a second innings lead of 117.
Smith who was unbeaten on 50, was dropped at slip shortly before that by James Anderson off the bowling of Tim Bresnan.
With time running out, a draw appears to be the most likely result, which will leave South Africa leading the three match series 1-0.
If the tourists win the series, they will replace England as the top ranked test team in the world.
