Brisbane, 17 Dec (CRICKETNMORE): Pakistan lost two wickets in their second innings to reach 70/2 at stumps on the third day of the first Test against Australia at the Brisbane Cricket Ground here on Saturday.
Chasing a mammoth 490, Pakistan lost opener Sami Aslam (15) and Babar Azam (14) cheaply but Azhar Ali (41 not out) and veteran Younis Khan (0 not out) ensured there were no more hiccups towards the fag end of the day.
Earlier, Australia declared their second essay at 202/5 after bundling out Pakistan for a meagre 142.
Skipper Steve Smith (63 off 70 balls) and Usman Khawaja (74 off 109) forged together an 111-run third wicket stand to accumulate some quick runs before declaring their second innings.
For the Pakistanis, pacer Rahat Ali took two wickets while Mohammed Amir, Yasir Shah, Wahab Riaz chipped in with one wicket apiece.
In reply, Pakistan once again started on a disastrous note with Aslam perishing to pacer Mitchell Starc before off-spinner Nathan Lyon added to the casualty list with the wicket of Azam to reduce the visitors to 54/2.
Azhar Ali, on the other hand, was going strong with his defiant 104-ball 41 while the seasoned Younis Khan was yet to open his account as the Pakistanis reached 70/2 at stumps.
Brief Scores: Australia 429, 202/5 declared (Usman Khawaja 74, Steve Smith 63, Rahat Ali 2/40) vs Pakistan 142, 70/2 (Azhar Ali 41 not out, Sami Aslam 15, Nathan Lyon 1/13)Pakistan 70/2 in their mammoth chase of 490