Pakistan stage fightback

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq boosted Pakistan's hopes of avoiding the follow-on against South Africa after helping his side to 317 for six on the third day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi today.



Pakistan had resumed the day on 59 for one and facing a huge task to save the game. However, Misbah-ul-Haq ended unbeaten on 77, while Azhar Ali 90 and Asad Shafiq 61 compile half-centuries.



Just five wickets fell in total, with Dale Steyn and Paul Harris taking two apiece for the Proteas.



Pakistan's efforts were not enough to wipe out the damage done by AB de Villiers's knock of 278 in the Proteas' first-innings 584, meaning Misbah's troops still require 68 runs to avoid the follow-on.



The opening encounter in the two-match series finished as a draw in Dubai.