Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq put on a crucial unbeaten partnership of 71 to bring their side to 125-4, a slender lead of 55, in their second innings at the close of play on the third day of the second Test against England in Abu Dhabi.
Earlier in the day, Stuart Broad had propelled the tourists in front with a fine knock of 58 not out, supported by Ian Bell, who made a gritty 29 before being trapped in front by Umar Gul.
England were able to build pressure immediately upon taking the field, James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowling with exceptional discipline.
However, the opening pair of Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar were able to hold out until the introduction of Monty Panesar, who was able to extract turn and bounce from the wicket from the start of his spell.
After the Sussex left-armer accounted for Hafeez, Graeme Swann was brought on and reignited his happy habit of taking a wicket in the first over of his spell, bowling Umar through the gate to reduce Pakistan to 29-2.
Panesar then claimed two more scalps – dismissing both Younis Khan and captain Misbah-ul-Haq – and, with the score at 54-4, England could sense victory.
Ali and Shafiq stood firm, though, and now, heading into the penultimate day, the Test is set for an enthralling finale.
