Australia close to within two wickets of victory over Pakistan

Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali leaves the ground after his dismissal during the fourth day of the third and final Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Sharjah cricket stadium in Sharjah on November 30, 2014
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Asad Shafiq hits his 10th Test century to ensure that Pakistan's first Test with Australia will go into a fifth day, with the tourists being given a glimmer of hope.

Australia have closed to within two wickets of victory over Pakistan in their first Test meeting, but Asad Shafiq ensured that a fifth day will be required.

The tourists are chasing down a record 490 for victory in the day-night clash, ending Sunday's session at the Gabba on 382-8 in their second innings.

Shafiq's score of 100* gives Pakistan the slimmest of hopes, with Azhar Ali (71) and Younis Khan (65) each making half-centuries before being sent packing by Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon respectively.

That left the Men in Green lumbering on 165-4 and looking at a heavy defeat in Brisbane, but up stepped Shafiq with a 10th Test hundred and Mohammad Amir also made 48 in a strong seventh-wicket stand - eventually going to Jackson Bird - to just about keep the Test alive.

Australia's Jackson Bird is congratulated by team mates after dismissing England's James Anderson on day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test on August 10, 2013
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