Shafiq breaks record to keep Pakistan alive against Australia

Middle-order batsman scores a ton, visitors need 108 to win on day five with two wickets in hand

BRISBANE: Middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq's record ninth ton at the number six position helped Pakistan inch closer to the 490-run target against Australia in the first day-night Test at Gabba.

At stumps on day four, Pakistan had managed 382 runs but Shafiq now has only two tail-enders to play with in pursuit of the remaining 108 runs.

What a knock! Asad Shafiq's 10th Test century and his first against Australia #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/kyeBeolgx3

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2016

Shafiq, who hit ten boundaries and a six for his century, beat West Indies legend Gary Sober (eight centuries at number six) to the record. He was helped by Mohammad Amir (48 off 63) for the seventh-wicket 92-run partnership.

Pakistan have now scored the highest fourth innings total at Gabba with one day left to pull off a historic win.

Earlier in the day, Younus Khan (65) and Azhar Ali (71) resumed Pakistan's innings and managed to stretch their overnight partnership to 91 runs before the latter was dismissed.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird bagged three wickets apiece while off-spinner Nathan Lyon accounted for two batsmen.

Pakistan will be facing Australia in two more Test after this one which will be followed by five ODIs.

At dinner

Pakistan were 203 for five at dinner and trailing Australia by 286 runs on the fourth day of the day-night first Test at the Gabba on Sunday.

Pakistan batsmen showing some urgency. Dealing in boundaries ATM. Pressure back on Aussie bowlers https://t.co/ze8GB5hOlA #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/iQOq9PtgUL

— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) December 18, 2016

At the interval, Asad Shafiq was not out 13 with Sarfraz Ahmed on 17.
The Australians dismissed Younis Khan for 65 and skipper Misbahul Haq for five in the middle session.

Pakistan lose @captainmisbahpk. Jackson Bird finds the edge! PAK 165-4 https://t.co/ze8GB5hOlA #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FcH3LlSZfF

— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) December 18, 2016

Poor shot selection from Younus Khan as Australia celebrate. Only five wickets remain now! PAK 173-5 https://t.co/ze8GB5hOlA #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/NNuyYCklJz

— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) December 18, 2016

Azhar Ali was dismissed soon after tea on 71.

.@mstarc56 breaks @TheRealPCB's resistance. @AzharAli_ out on 71. @captainmisbahpk joins Younus https://t.co/ze8GB5hOlA #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/qyKjqIAVru

— Tribune Sports (@ETribuneSports) December 18, 2016

At tea

Azhar Ali and Younus Khan dug in with a defiant third-wicket partnership to trim Pakistan's victory target to 359 runs before rain brought tea early on day four of the first day-night test against Australia on Sunday.

Azhar was 61 not out and Younus had reached 40, the seasoned pair having built a vital 77-run unbroken stand to push Pakistan to 131 for two.

Well left #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/3TwzgEhHpG

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2016

Ground staff scurried onto the field with nearly 20 minutes left in the session to protect the Gabba pitch from a squall and it was all smiles in the Pakistan dressing room as rain pelted down at the stadium.

Younis is off the mark! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/0TwTbZFDOH

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2016

Pakistan resumed on 70-2, with batsman Azhar and Younus making up for their first innings failures with the bat to frustrate Steve Smith's team. Azhar brought up his 50 with a single pushed through the gully off Jackson Bird and acknowledged a smattering of applause from the sparse crowd.

Smith was ready for it, but Younis still gets it to the boundary! #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/4entw1QFxS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2016

Younus began the day on nought after facing 19 nervous deliveries late on Saturday on the back of a dreadful run of form but the gritty veteran gradually found his groove and went comfortably about his work by midway through the session.

Ouch. That's a nasty one but it looks like Azhar is OK to bat on #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/L2SYJniVrh

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2016

Pakistan were bowled out for 142 on day three, 287 runs short of Australia's first innings total of 429 but Smith waived the chance to enforce the follow-on and sent his team in to bat the touring side out of the game. Smith waited a long time to declare their second innings closed, until his team had put an improbable victory target of 490 on the board by the dinner break.

With five sessions remaining, the game is still Australia's to lose but the home side will hope the rain can clear quickly.