Dane Paterson played a starring role as South Africa enjoyed a strong opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion Park.

Paterson took 5-61 for the Proteas, who dismissed their visitors for 211, before finishing 82-3 at stumps.

After the hosts won the toss and put their opponents into bat, Kamran Bhulan led Pakistan's charge with 54 runs off 71 deliveries.

Aamer Jamal and Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with 28 and 27 respectively, but Pakistan generally struggled to gain momentum.

The tourists made a purposeful start in the field, with Khurram Shahzad dismissing Tony de Zorzi (two) and Ryan Rickleton (eight) inside the opening seven overs to leave South Africa at 24-2.

However, despite the loss of Tristan Stubbs for nine, Aidan Markram steadied the ship for the Proteas with an unbeaten 47.

Data Debrief: Paterson claims second five-for

It has been a memorable month for Paterson, who had not taken a five-wicket haul in five matches prior to December. Now, he has taken two in as many Tests.

The omens are good for the Proteas at SuperSport Park, where they have won all three of their previous Tests against Pakistan.

Their 79% win rate at the ground (23/29 matches) before this Test is their highest at any venue where they have played at least six times.