Nightwatchman Donald Tiripano was the only batsman to fall in the opening session as Zimbabwe's batsmen frustrated South Africa to reach two for 80 in their second innings on day four of the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club.
With Tiripano surviving more than an hour of hostile bowling and Vusi Sibanda progressing to 38 not out, Zimbabwe's deficit had shrunk to 61 runs when the lunch interval arrived.
The hosts resumed on their overnight total of one for 28, with Sibanda more than willing to take on the South African attack as Tiripano simple looked to protect his wicket.
The nightwatchman was not cowed despite being hit on the back as Dale Steyn delivered a fierce spell of short bowling from around the wicket.
It took the introduction of offspinner Dane Piedt to break the stand as he bowled Tiripano through the gate.
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That brought in Mark Vermeulen, who looked scratchy early on in his innings and survived both a missed stumping and a good shout for lbw, to reach lunch on 10 not out.
