Published on 12:00 AM, October 19, 2018

Pak close to victory

Even by Pakistan's standards, Azhar Ali's run out on the third day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi was a farcical one. Asad Shafiq (C) and Azhar thought the ball had crossed the ropes and were having a mid-pitch conference when Australia skipper Tim Paine gleefully whipped off the bails. PHOTO: COLLECTED
Afp, Abu Dhabi

Pakistan grabbed an early wicket after Babar Azam struck a fluent 99 to edge closer to claiming a series victory over Australia in the second Test at Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Azam narrowly missed out on a hundred after an aggressive innings, while skipper Sarfraz Ahmed followed up his first-innings 94 with 81 as Pakistan declared their second innings at 400 for 9, setting a daunting 538-run target for the tourists.

By the close on the third day, Pakistan had Shaun Marsh dismissed for four -- bowled by left-arm paceman Mir Hamza for his first Test wicket -- to boost their chances of victory after Australia clung on for a thrilling draw in the first Test in Dubai last week.

Aaron Finch (24) and Travis Head (17) were at the crease with Australia, who are 47 for 1.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PAKISTAN: First innings 282

AUSTRALIA: First innings 145

PAKISTAN: Second innings 400 for 9 decl (Fakhar 66, Azhar 64, Shafiq 44, Babar 99, Sarfraz 81; Lyon 4-135, Labuschagne 2-74)

AUSTRALIA: Second innings 47 for 1 (Finch 24 not out, Head 17 not out; Hamza 1-19)

Top Stories