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Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd Test, Day 4: Pakistan, Australia Tussle For Win After Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith Milestones

Pakistan started confidently Thursday in pursuit of a 351-run target in the series-deciding third Test against Australia, ending on 73 without loss at the close in Lahore. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique were unbeaten on 42 and 27 respectively, leaving the home team needing another 278 runs for victory in 90 overs, with all 10 wickets intact when play resumes Friday. Australian skipper Pat Cummins declared their second innings at 227-3 shortly after tea -- a bold decision considering Pakistan managed 443-7 in pursuit of 506 runs to draw last week's Karachi Test.

Australia's Usman Khawaja continues to pile up the runs

Usman Khawaja continued his fairytale return to the Australian Test side on Thursday with his second hundred in the series in Pakistan, where he was born. Khawaja had been ignored by selectors since he was dropped during the 2019 Ashes series but the Queensland batter forced his way back into the Australian Test squad after scoring heavily in domestic games. His chance to play a first Test in more than two years arrived in another Ashes series, the fourth Test in Sydney, because Travis Head tested positive for COVID-19.

3rd Test: Pakistan's Imam, Shafique stay solid to set up thrilling final day

Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique made a solid start on Thursday to set up a thrilling final day in the deciding third Test in Lahore, keeping the hosts in the hunt for a series-clinching win against Australia. 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.

Pakistan's Imam, Shafique stay solid to set up thrilling final day

:Pakistan openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique made a solid start on Thursday to set up a thrilling final day in the deciding third test in Lahore, keeping the hosts in the hunt for a series-clinching win against Australia.

Pakistan and Australia tussle for win after Khawaja, Smith milestones

Pakistan started confidently on Thursday in pursuit of a 351-run target in the series-deciding third Test against Australia, ending on 73 without loss at the close in Lahore.

Watch: Shaheen Afridi Sends David Warner's Off Stump Flying

Day 4 of ongoing third Test between Pakistan and Australia at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore saw the rivalry between Shaheen Afridi and David Warner continue, with the Australia opener hitting a fine half-century before the Pakistan pacer sent his off stump flying with a brilliant delivery. The rivalry, of course, was contained only to cricket, as Afridi shook Warner's hand and the two exchanged a laugh before the batter walked off after scoring 51 off 91 deliveries in Australia's second essay.

Australia set Pakistan 351-run target to win deciding Lahore test

Australia declared their second innings closed on 227-3 on Thursday to set Pakistan a target of 351 to win the deciding third and final test in Lahore.

Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd Test, Day 4: Australia Build On Lead vs Pakistan

Aiming to increase their lead, Australia face Pakistan on Day 4 of the ongoing third Test match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Thursday. Australia are currently batting and trying to build some momentum. After a gritty fight by Abdullah Shafique (81) and Azhar Ali (78), Babar Azam was left as the lone warrior as Australia pacers took centre-stage on Day 3. Nathan Lyon gave the visitors their first breakthrough of the day in the form of Shafique and skipper Pat Cummins then removed Azhar Ali with a stunning catch off his own bowling. Babar hit a fine half-century to carry on his rich vein of form, but in the final session, Mitchell Starc and Cummins ran through the Pakistan lower order. Cummins finished with five, while Starc took four to bowl Pakistan out for 268. Usman Khawaja and David Warner successfully saw off the three overs in Australia's second essay, as they finished the day at 11/0 at Stumps, with a lead of 134 runs. (LIVE SCORECARD)

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Lahore Sport News

Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd Test, Day 4: Pakistan, Australia Tussle For Win After Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith Milestones

Australia's Usman Khawaja continues to pile up the runs

3rd Test: Pakistan's Imam, Shafique stay solid to set up thrilling final day

Pakistan's Imam, Shafique stay solid to set up thrilling final day

Pakistan and Australia tussle for win after Khawaja, Smith milestones

Watch: Shaheen Afridi Sends David Warner's Off Stump Flying

Australia set Pakistan 351-run target to win deciding Lahore test

Pakistan vs Australia, 3rd Test, Day 4: Australia Build On Lead vs Pakistan