Australia, chasing a huge 603-run victory target, were 238-5 at lunch on the fifth and final day of the second Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Steven Smith was unbeaten on 97 and Brad Haddin was 13 not out.
Australia must survive another 57 overs to draw the game, while Pakistan needs just five wickets to win their first Test series against Australia since 1994.
Mitchell Marsh was the only wicket to fall in the morning after scoring 47.
Pakistan won the first Test in Dubai by 221 runs.
