Azhar Ali's second Test century built a position of authority for Pakistan in the final Test as England's bowlers toiled in Dubai. At lunch on the third day, Pakistan led by 253 runs with seven wickets remaining. On a pitch beginning to turn fiercely they were strongly placed to pull off a first series whitewash against England.

Pakistan were threatening to defy cricket history. No side in 105 years has won after making fewer than 100 in the first innings of a Test, a feat last achieved by England against South Africa at Headingley in 1907.