Australia found themselves in a desperate situation at stumps on day four of the ongoing Test against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Chasing 462 runs, Australia had just made 136 runs but most importantly had lost three wickets.

Live cricket score:

Australia 2nd innings score: 176/3

Earlier in the day, Pakistan built on their second innings lead and scored 181-6 before declaring their innings, setting a huge total in front of the tourists. Australia had made only 202 runs in reply to Pakistan's first innings score of 482 runs.

Pakistan set an uphill task for Australia

Pakistan started day four at 45-3 with Haris Sohail joining Iman-ul-Haq who was not out on 23 runs overnight. Centurion from the first innings, Sohail looked settled for a big score once again while Imam handled things at the other end. The duo stretched Pakistan second innings lead to over 375 runs with a 50-plus run stand. As Pakistan's score crossed 100, Imam found himself back in the dressing room out for 48 runs.

Sohail made 39 runs, while Asad Shafiq played another matured innings of 41 runs before becoming the final Pakistani batsman to get out.

At this moment, Pakistan's score was 181 for 6 with an overall lead of 461 runs. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed declared the innings as Babar Azam was not out on 29 runs. Australia needed a mammoth score of 462 runs to win the Dubai Test, with close five sessions left.

Australia almost collapse again

Things were not going to be easy for Australia, but Usman Khawaja and Aaron Finch provided another solid start to the innings with some intelligent batting.

The pair had earlier notched up a 142-run partnership in the first innings, and now they had together put on a 50-plus partnership again in the second innings. As Finch was on his way to pick up twin fifties on Test debut, Mohammad Abbas turned things around for Pakistan with some brilliant bowling. There was a hint reverse swing and Abbas made the most out of it.

Australia lost three wickets without adding a run to their total, with Finch and the Marsh brothers finding their way to the pavilion. At 87-0, Finch got out for 49 runs to Abbas, which was followed by Abbas picking both Shaun and Mitchell Marsh. With another 395 runs left to win, Australia found themselves in between another batting collapse. Khawaja, who was a spectator was this from the other end, was joined by debutant Travis Head.

The two batting responsibly and steadied the ship for the visitors.

The pair added 49 runs before stumps were being called, pushing the score to 136-3. Australia still needs 326 runs to win the Test or play out all the 90 overs of day five to draw it. Khawaja brought up his second fifty in the Test, while Head will continue his innings from 39 on day five.
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