The Proteas resumed their uphill battle of chasing 310 to keep their series hopes alive against the dangerous Indian spinners.
Resuming on 32/2 overnight, the Proteas lost Dean Elgar and AB de Villiers for 18 and 9 respectively to Ravichandran Ashwin early on in the first session.
Proteas skipper Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis toiled valiantly, posting a partnership of 72 before being dismissed by leg spinner Amit Mishra in quick succession.
Du Plessis and Amla both reached a brave 39 on a tough pitch.
After the tea break South Africa were on 151/6 with JP Duminy and Dane Vilas at the crease.
