Dramatic escape for Pakistan

After 1,121 runs and 17 wickets in the first two innings of an extraordinarily slow-burning contest, the first Test in Abu Dhabi exploded into a Technicolor fireworks finish, as England fell agonisingly short of glory following a Twenty20-style run-chase. In scenes reminiscent of England's last great Asian heist, at Karachi in 2000-01, a staggering and unscripted Pakistan collapse opened the door for a gallop to the finish in rapidly fading light.

The nominal target of 99 runs in 19 overs would have been a breeze for a spirited young line-up featuring many of the men who have revived England's one-day fortunes this summer. But, despite the best efforts of Joe Root, who hustled 33 from 29 balls, and Jonny Bairstow, who clattered an enormous six over midwicket in a Wahab Riaz over that was dispatched for 17 runs, their rage against the dying of the light left them 25 runs short after a gallant 11-over slog.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid took a five wicket haul to trigger a Pakistan collapse when a result looked highly unlikely on the fifth morning as England, replying to Pakistan's 523-8 declared, closed their first innings at 598-9.

Rashid, who had the worst bowling figures on debut in the first innings of 0-163, had an unbelievable change in his fortunes as he grabbed 5-64 to dismiss Pakistan for 173 on a weary fifth day Sheik Zayed Stadium pitch.

It was a lucky escape for Pakistan as there have been 14 previous instances when teams had lost a Test after scoring 500 points or more, the highest by Australia when they lost to England after scoring 586 in Sydney in 1894.

It was a lucky escape for Pakistan as there have been 14 previous instances when teams had lost a Test after scoring 500 points or more, the highest by Australia when they lost to England after scoring 586 in Sydney in 1894.

The three-match series will resume in Dubai from October 22 with the final Test in Sharjah from November 1.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: First innings 523 for 8 decl

ENGLAND: First innings 598-9 decl (Cook 263, Root 85, Bell 63; Riaz 3-125)

PAKISTAN: Second innings 173 all out (Misbah 51, Younis 45, Hafeez 34; Rashid 5-64, Ali 2-28)

ENGLAND: Second innings 74 for 4 (Root 33 not out, Bairstow 15, Bell 5 not out; Babar 2-27, Malik 2-25)

Result: Match drawn

Player-of-the-match: Alastair Cook