Pakistan needs 278 runs while Australia 10 wickets to win the third test match on final day

Chasing the big target of 351, Pakistan finished the day 4 on 73 for no loss as Australian bowlers failed to make inroads into Pakistani top order

Pakistan finished the 4th day at 73 for no loss in the chase of 351runs target in the final test match at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore. Both Pakistani openers provided solid start to the second Pakistani innings after Australia gives Pakistan target of 351 runs to chase.

Pakistan needs 278 more runs to win the third and final test match on the last day while Australia needs 10 wickets to clinch the test and the series. It is going to be an interesting final day of the Lahore test. If Pakistan succeeded to save wickets in the first session of the fifth day then it can go all out for the victory in the next two sessions. Australia will need quick wickets in the morning session to stop the Pakistan’s march towards victory.

 Australia declared the second at 227 for 3. Usman Khawaja once again was Australian hero who scored another hundred.  Imam-ul-Haq is unbeaten on 42 and Abdullah Shafique on 27 at the close of the play.

Australia captain Pat Cummins made a sporting declaration in the final session of the fourth day at the Gaddafi Stadium, calling his side's second innings closed on 227-3 and setting Pakistan a target of 351 to chase.

On a wicket offering turn for the spinners and some deliveries keeping low after pitching, Imam and Shafique denied Australia any success to take Pakistan to 73 without loss at stumps with the hosts needing 278 more for victory.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja earlier continued his run-scoring spree against Pakistan, remaining unbeaten on 104 after completing his second hundred of the series.

The 35-year-old left-hander scampered for two runs in the final over before tea to complete his 12th hundred in Tests. Usman Khawaja was top-scorer for Australia in the first innings with 91, also scored 97 in the opening Test at Rawalpindi and 160 and 44 not out in the second at Karachi.

He added 96 for the opening stand with David Warner, who hit six fours and a six in his knock before being dismissed shortly before lunch for 51, cleaned up by fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Khawaja, who returned to the Test side after two years in January during the home Ashes series against England, was bowled on 31 by pacer Naseem Shah but was reprieved when the television umpire ruled the bowler had overstepped the crease.

He also added 65 for the second wicket with number three Marnus Labuschagne, who made 36. Former captain Steve Smith was out for 17 after becoming the fastest to reach 8,000 runs in Tests during his knock.

                                                                         Sports Desk