Abu Dhabi Test: Pakistan lose Hafeez, Malik early in second innings

“It’s tough for umpires because they can never win”.

Wickets fell in a flurry toward the end, with Ben Stoke (57) and Jos Buttler (23) also falling along with Cook.

Pakistan were bundled out for 173 in a dramatic final session as Rashid claims five wickets on debut leaving England a target of 99.

Adil Rashid was the only England wicket to fall on Saturday – castled through the gate by Imran Khan – but the spinner was denied a scalp of his own when a review to have Hafeez (32no) caught behind proved unsuccessful.

In the morning, England declared on 598 for nine, 75 runs ahead.

England had a maximum 19 overs to complete their mission improbable, and go 1-0 up in this three-match series – but fading light meant it was highly likely significantly fewer would be bowled.

Abu Dhabi’s lifeless pitch has tormented both teams’ bowlers.

After resuming on 569 for eight, Stuart Broad began with an edge low and wide of the slips for four from the third ball of the morning off Rahat Ali – and in the left-armer’s next over, he added another boundary off the middle with a square-drive.

Shan Masood was the first man to be dismissed for Pakistan as he was again clean bowled by James Anderson after scoring just a run.

Mohammad Hafeez and Younis Khan are at the crease for the green shirts.

Hafeez nicked the ball to the covers and Younis called a quick single.

Pakistan at the moment 168-8, Misbah ul haq the top scorer of 2nd innings with 51 runs.

Only about 100 spectators were present for the first test’s seemingly inevitable conclusion.

The second test in Dubai will start on October. 22, with the concluding match in Sharjah from November. 1.

Masood, who was bowled after a short delivery from Anderson deflected onto the stumps from the grill of his helmet in the first innings, played on to the same bowler.

Four balls later, Anderson’s bouncer reared up at Malik and all he could do was fend it off to Jonny Bairstow at short-leg.

Root praised Pakistan s bowling, led by paceman Wahab Riaz, who took 3-116.