ABU DHABI – Pakistan declared their second innings at 400-9 after buildinga massive lead of 537 runs on the third day of the second Test againstAustralia in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Middle-order batsman Babar Azam fell just one run short of his maiden Testcentury while skipper Sarfraz Ahmed scored another sure-footed half century.
That is good enough for Pakistan to force a 1-0 series win on a SheikhZayed Stadium pitch set to provide more spin during the last two days.
The first Test in Dubai last week ended in a draw.
Babar, who was dismissed for nought in the first innings, fell leg beforeto Mitchell Marsh for 99. Two Pakistani batsmen also faced a similar fatein the first innings. Opener Fakhar Zaman who made his Test debut wascaught leg before by Labuschange for 94. Sarfraz was caught by Siddle onLabuschange’s bowling, also on 94.
After a dull opening period, the embarrassing dismissal of Azhar Aliprovided a spark.
Read Top Stories
The batsman edged a Peter Siddle delivery to the third man boundary and,thinking the ball had crossed the rope, halted in the middle of the pitchto talk to fellow batsman Safiq.
But Mitchell Starc picked up the ball a yard from the boundary and threw itback to wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who ran Azhar out, leaving the Pakistaniduo — who have a combined experience of 130 Tests and over 9,000 runs –looking stunned and sheepish.
Azhar fell for a well played 64, inclusive of four boundaries.
Pakistan had earlier lost Haris Sohail for 17, stumped by Paine off NathanLyon after resuming at 144-2. – APP/AFP
