DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Usman Khawaja and Travis Head shared an unbeaten 124-run stand as Australia's batsmen rallied in a bid to salvage a draw in the first test by surviving the opening session on the last day without losing a wicket against Pakistan.
Khawaja and Head both had close calls but remained not out on 82 and 70 as Australia reached lunch Thursday at 215 for three.
The Australians resumed on the last morning at 136-3, needing to bat through 90 overs for a draw or score an unlikely 326 runs to win.
The fourth-wicket partnership was crucial to their team's chances, with Khawaja and Head joining on day four after Mohammad Abbas had taken three wickets in seven deliveries to reduce Australia to 87-3.
Pakistan has dominated the match since winning the toss and posting 482 in the first innings, then dismissing Australia for 202 — taking 10 wickets for 60 — to establish a commanding first-innings lead.
But the Australian batting was more resilient in the second innings, with 79 runs added in the first session on day five.
Khawaja, who survived a robust appeal for lbw just before lunch, faced 199 balls and hit eight boundaries for his 82.
Head got a reprieve early against an lbw appeal and went on to post his maiden test half century, scoring 70 from 171 balls.
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