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An inspired fightback from Pakistan will have the visitors dreaming of clinching a famous victory today, but with 108 runs still required and only two wickets in hand, Australia remain firm favourites. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary of the fifth and final day of the first Test from 1:30pm (AEDT).
After an insipid first innings performance, not many would have had much optimism of the first Test entering a fifth day as Pakistan resumed their record chase of 490 at 2/70 on Day 4.
» Five talking points from the first Test
» Match report: Australia take Gabba Test by 39 runs
But to the surprise of most fans and to the chagrin of the Aussies, the visitors have dug their heels in and now have the faintest chance of creating history.
The veteran pair of Azhar Ali and Younus Khan started the day well, stymying the Australian bowlers through a scrappy yet determined batting display. With some assistance from the weather as the heavens opened, Pakistan remained unscathed through the first session adding 75 to the overnight score.
But a barrage of short balls after the tea break from Mitchell Starc finally unsettled the Pakistani opener, as Azhar tickled a ball near his ribs down the leg side to a delighted Matthew Wade.
Soon after, Jackson Bird removed Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq cheaply after he fished at a length ball outside off stump. Further denting the visitor’s hopes was the dismissal of Younus, after an ill-advised reverse sweep saw the veteran caught at slip off the bowling of Nathan Lyon for a hard-fought 65.
With the double strike of Pakistan’s two most experienced batsmen, the game seemed to be hurtling towards its inevitable conclusion.
Entering the final session with only five wickets remaining and facing a new ball under lights, the tourists’ chances of surviving looked as bleak as the dark grey storm clouds that plagued the Gabba throughout the day.
However, despite some unplayable deliveries from Starc – one of which made a mess of Sarfraz’s middle stump with a scorching inswinger – the visitors mounted their rearguard action, led by Asad Shafiq.
Undaunted by the mammoth task that lay ahead, Shafiq was technically sound and positive in his mindset as he grafted his way to a memorable century.
Shafiq was not alone in his heroics, receiving able support from the tail.
After making contributions with the ball earlier in the Test, the pace duo of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz made their presence felt with the bat with cameos of 48 and 30 respectively.
The vastly improved batting performance, paired with uncharacteristic drops from the usually sure-handed Steve Smith, allowed Pakistan to plunder 179 runs in the final session.
In the process, the visitors have now scored the highest fourth innings total ever recorded at the Gabba and have ensured a restless night for the hosts. Regardless of the result, the Boxing Day Test is now shaping a more intriguing contest with Pakistan carrying some momentum into Melbourne.
Nonetheless, Australia remain in the box seat with just two wickets left to claim after dominating the first three days of play.
Stay up to date with all the action from this thrilling last day of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan with live scores and commentary on The Roar from 1:30pm (AEDT).
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