The Indian vice-captain's fifth double century in Test cricket, and the third this season, fired the tourists to 600 in their first innings in reply to Pakistan's modest 224.

Pakistan, trailing by 376 runs on the first innings, were 49-2 in their second knock by stumps on the third day, still 327 runs away from avoiding an innings defeat in the decisive final Test.

Imran Farhat was caught in the slips off Laxmipathy Balaji for three, while Taufeeq Umer was given out leg-before to Irfan Pathan after making 13.

Yasir Hameed was unbeaten on eight and nightwatchman Kamran Akmal was on 10 as the hosts faced an uphill task to prevent India from winning their first overseas series since Sri Lanka in 1993 and their maiden one on Pakistan soil.

The arch rivals are locked 1-1 in the three-match rubber, the first between the two countries in Pakistan since 1989.

Dravid, who came to bat on Tuesday evening after opener Virender Sehwag was dismissed off the first ball of the innings, ground the Pakistani attack into the dust for two consecutive days.

He had batted through Wednesday to remain unconquered on 134 and continued in the same vein till an hour before stumps on Thursday to put India in control of the make-or-break Test.

Dravid held vigil for 12 hours and 20 minutes under the hot sun, hitting 34 boundaries and a six, before he was ninth out, bowled by part-timer Imran Farhat attempting an uncharacteristic reverse sweep.

It was the 31-year-old's third major knock in nine Tests this season following his 222 against New Zealand at Ahmedabad in October and 233 against Australia at Adelaide in December.