The second Test match between Pakistan and England has been left finely poised after the home side fought back during the second half of day three in Multan.

At the close of play on Saturday, England held a lead of 281 runs while still possessing five wickets in hand, putting them in control on a pitch which had the potential to deteriorate.

However, England added just another 73 runs to their overnight total, leaving Pakistan with a target of 355 if they wanted to remain competitive in the series.

Achieving that total appeared unlikely when being reduced to 83-3, but an 108-run fourth-wicket partnership moved the home side to 198-4 at stumps.

In what came as a surprise to no-one, England continued on the attack at the beginning of the day, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes adding valuable runs to record a 101-run stand for the sixth wicket.

Nevertheless, England collapsed when Stokes departed for 41, the bottom four batsmen contributing 13 runs between them as Brook was dismissed for 108 from 149 balls.

Abrar Ahmed recorded figures of 4-120, adding to his 7-114 from the first innings, and Pakistan set off with intent in their search of an unlikely win.

However, 66-0 soon became 83-3, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood all taking a wicket apiece with Abdullah Shafique (45) top-scoring out of the first three batsmen.

Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel countered that disappointment, taking 32 overs to make 108 to swing the match in their favour, but Imam edged through to Joe Root for 60 just as it appeared that he would remain at the crease until stumps.

Shakeel is unbeaten on 54, now assisted by Faheem Ashraf (3*), and the duo will hope to add a large chunk of the 157 still required when they return for day four.