Abu DhabiI: Australia was left staring at a second consecutive defeat after slumping to 120-5 in the morning session of day three of the second Test match against Pakistan on Saturday.
The tourists, already 1-0 down in the two-Test match series after losing the first test in Dubai by 221 runs, is chasing Pakistan's first innings total of 570 for six declared and still needs 250 runs more to avoid the follow-on.
Captain Michael Clarke compiled a composed 34 to be unbeaten at lunch, while Mitchell Marsh eight not out.
Fast bowler Rahat Ali (2-23) and left-arm orthodox Zulfiqar Babar (2-43) shared the four wickets to fall before lunch.
David Warner (19) was the first batsmen to go Saturday morning, smashing a wide delivery from Ali straight into the hands of Yasir Shah at point. The opener, who has been in great form but has had a match to forget so far, could add only three runs to his overnight score of 16.
Glenn Maxwell, who came into the side at the expense of Alex Doolan, played his natural aggressive self, but was deceived by Babar when he stepped out once too often and was clean bowled for a crisp 37 from 28 balls.
Night-watchman Nathan Lyon's (15) vigil came to an end when Rahat found a way through his forward defensive shot with a hint of in-swing, while in-form Steve Smith did not have time to settle before he was trapped leg before wicket by Babar without scoring.
A draw or a win in the Test match would give Pakistan a rare series win over Australia. They have beaten them five times before at home, but their last series victory came 20 years ago in 1994.
