Aussies head for defeat

FINAL TEST: PAKISTAN TURN SCREWS

– 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 yesterday.

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 400/9, setting an impossible 538run target for the tourists.

By the close on the third day, Pakistan had Shaun Marsh dismissed for four -- bowled by leftarm 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 47-1 and need another 491 for an unlikely win or to bat out two full days on a wearing and spinning pitch.

No team has ever chased more than 418/7 to win a Test, made by the West Indies against Australia at Antigua in 2003.

Pakistan piled on the runs with Azam, Sarfraz and Azhar Ali – who was the casualty of a bizarre run out – all making half-centuries to build on the hosts’ 137-run first-innings lead.

But none of them could go on to score a ton, with Azam falling agonisingly close to his maiden hundred, trapped leg-before by medium-pacer Mitchell Marsh.

“Missing a hundred is disappointing but such things are part and parcel of the game,” said Azam. “I am happy that Sarfraz and I built a partnership and have taken us to a winning position.”

Azam, who hit three sixes and six fours, improved on his previous best Test score of 90 not out in New Zealand two years ago.

He and Sarfraz added 135 for the sixth wicket to end any hopes Australia had of a fightback after taking the second new ball at 273/5.

Sarfraz struck five fours and a six and delayed the declaration in hope of a century, but fell leg-before to leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne who finished with 2/74.

But the pick of the bowlers was off-spinner Nathan Lyon who followed his first-innings four wickets with 3/135 in a marathon 43over vigil. –