Hafeez hit nine boundaries and three sixes during his unbeaten knock of 97

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez scored an unbeaten 97 to put his side in an advantageous position against England on the third day of the third Test in Sharjah.

Starting out the day on 222/4, England lost James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow early on for 76 and 43 respectively. In fact, all-rounder Samit Patel was the only batsman to put up a fight as he scored 42 to help his side reach 306, which gave them a 72-run lead, before they were bowled out.

Shoaib Malik was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Yasir Shah snapped up three, Rahat Ali took two and Zulfiqar Babar chipped in with one.

Trailing by 72 runs, Pakistan got off to a magnificent start as Hafeez and Azhar Ali amassed a 101-run partnership, during which Hafeez brought up his half-century, before Ali was run out by Ian Bell for 34.

Pakistan began to struggle after Ali was dismissed as Malik and Younis Khan were back in the pavilion after scoring zero and 14 respectively.

Hafeez and Ali, who was sent in as the nightwatchman, have yet to get their partnership underway as they only faced 2.2 overs before stumps was called.

Hafeez finished on 97 off 155 balls, which included nine boundaries and three sixes, while Ali has yet to get off the mark.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan ended day three on 146/3 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.