Abbas brings Pakistan closer to win
DUBAI: Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas claimed three quick wickets as Australia hobbled their way to 136-3 on Wednesday, chasing a mammoth target of 462 in the first Test in Dubai.
Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch picked up from where they left off after their 142-run stand in the first innings, adding 72 runs by tea on day four.
The pair added 15 more runs in the final session before Abbas trapped Finch leg before for 49.
The visitors squandered another good start when the Marsh brothers were dismissed for ducks by Abbas.
Shaun was caught behind off a well directed delivery, while a darting i nswinger downed Mitchell plumb in front of the stumps.
Khawaja (50) and Travis Head (34) added 49 runs and will look to continue on the same note as they hope to grind out an unlikely draw on the final day.
If the tourists are to pull off a victory they will have to surpass the highest chase in test cricket by West Indies, who managed
418-7 against Australia at Antigua in 2003.
Pakistan resumed at 45-3 in the morning session and batted sensibly on a deteriorating pitch before declaring their second innings at 181-6.
Imam-ul-haq (48) and Haris 20-3-83-3, Head 1-0-6-0, Labuschagne 3-0-9-1
49 50 0 0 34
Sohail (39) missed out on halfcenturies but their 65-run partnership took the lead close to 400 runs.
Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam then combined to add 71 to peg Australia back further under the sweltering Dubai heat.