2nd Test, Day 2: Pakistan 144-2 at stumps, lead by 281

Pakistan, who gained a commanding 137-run lead in the first innings, were 144-2 at stumps in their second innings on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Azhar Ali, who scored 54, and Haris Sohail, who made 17, were at the crease as Pakistan stretched their lead to 281 with eight-second innings wickets intact.

Earlier, Mohammad Abbas took five wickets to steer Pakistan into a dominating position in the second Test.

Abbas finished with five for 33 to bowl out Australia for a paltry 145.

With eight wickets in hand Pakistan were in a great position to force a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after the first Test ended in a fighting draw in Dubai last week.

It was once again debutant Fakhar Zaman who lifted Pakistan with a brilliant 66 following up his 94 in the first innings, before giving a return catch to Nathan Lyon.

Zaman hit seven boundaries in an enterprising knock.