The International Cricket Council has released latest test rankings, placing Pakistan on No.4 after its superb victory against South Africa in Abu Dhabi test, ended on Thursday.
The ICC said Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has also achieved his career-best rankings, being rewarded for his 100 and 28 not out, with a jump of five places that has put him in seventh position.
De Villiers, who scored 19 and 90, earned three ratings points which were enough to put him ahead of Shivnarine Chanderpul of the West Indies.
The South Africa batsman now trails team-mate Hashim Amla, who also gained five ratings points after scoring 118 runs in the first innings, by 15 ratings points.