Babar’s four bring Pakistan close to victory

DUBAI: Left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar struck twice Sunday to propel Pakistan close to victory on the fifth and final day of the first Test against Australia.

At lunch Australia, set a mammoth 438 to win, were in deep trouble on 117-7 with Steven Smith unbeaten on 31 and Mitchell Johnson seven not out on a spin-friendly pitch.

Pakistan need just three more wickets in the final two sessions to take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Australia resumed on 59-4 but Chris Rogers (43) and Smith added 32 in the first hour before paceman Imran Khan made the breakthrough, bowling Rogers who played all over the delivery.

Babar then came into his own, removing Mitchell Marsh (three) with a turning delivery. The edge was well taken at short cover by Azhar Ali.

Four overs later Babar spun one across Brad Haddin´s forward push to hit the stumps and dismiss the keeper for a duck as Australia lost their seventh wicket for 105.

Babar´s previous best figures were 3-89 against South Africa in his debut Test in Abu Dhabi last year.

Australia´s top order, including captain Michael Clarke, had flopped on the fourth evening, with Babar and leg-spinner Yasir Shah causing the damage.

But Pakistan have dominated the game throughout, piling up 454 and 286-2 declared while Australia scored 303 in their first innings.

The second and final Test starts in Abu Dhabi on October 30. (AFP)