Aussies on edge, Pak set for final push

Abu Dhabi, October 18

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.

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 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.

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

Embarrassing dismissal

After a dull opening period, the embarrassing dismissal of Azhar Ali brought the day to life. The batsman edged a Peter Siddle delivery towards the third-man boundary and, thinking the ball had crossed the rope, halted in the middle of the pitch to talk to fellow batsman Asad Shafiq.

But Mitchell Starc picked up the ball less than a yard from the boundary and threw it back to wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who ran Ali out, leaving the Pakistani duo — who have combined experience of 130 Tests and over 9,000 runs — stranded and looking bewildered. Ali fell for a well-played 64, including four boundaries. Pakistan had earlier lost Haris Sohail for 17, stumped by Paine off Nathan Lyon after resuming at 144/2. — AFP

Brief Scores: Pakistan: 282 and 400/9 decl. (Babar 99, Sarfraz 81; Lyon 4/135); Australia: 145 and 47/1 (Finch 24*, Head 17*; Hamza 1/19). 

Amir dropped for Australia T20Is 

Lahore: Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has been dropped from the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia. Earlier, the 26-year-old was also left out from the ongoing two-match Test series against Australia. While all-rounder Imad Wasim has made a comeback to the T20I squad, right-hand batsman Mohammad Hafeez has also been picked up by the national selectors.