England Begin Chase Of 324 To Beat Pakistan

England Begin Chase Of 324 To Beat Pakistan

Andrew Strauss (left) hits out as he leads England's pursuit of 324 to win in Dubai

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan 99 & 365 (Azhar Ali 157) v
England 141 & 36-0
Third Test, Dubai, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two

Azhar Ali hit a career-best 157 as Pakistan set England a target of 324 to win the third and final Test in Dubai and England closed on 36 without loss at stumps.

Azhar and Younus Khan (127) extended their partnership for the third wicket to 212 before Pakistan were dismissed for 365 to set England a challenging target.

Younus was first to be dismissed, trapped in front by Stuart Broad but Azhar stood firm, facing some 442 deliveries as England removed Misbah-ul-Haq (31), Asad Shafiq (5), Adnan Akmal (0), Abdur Rehman (1) and Saeed Ajmal (1).

He finally fell when he was caught by Alastair Cook off Graeme Swann and the innings ended two runs later when Umar Gul was trapped in front by Monty Panesar for four.

Panesar toiled hard and earned figures of five for 124 from 56.4 overs while fellow spinner Swann bowled 39 overs, taking three for 101.

England were then faced with a tricky mini-session prior to stumps but openers Cook and Andrew Strauss survived unscathed, the former making 15 and Strauss on 19.

Pakistan, who lead the series 2-0, were bowled out for just 99 in their first innings before responding strongly to dismiss England for 141.

© Cricket World 2012