Younus Khan’s third successive century ensured Pakistan were already in sight of a first series win over Australia for 20 years following the opening day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.
Needing only to avoid defeat to win the two-match series, Pakistan reached the close on 304 for two and seemingly on course for a significant first-innings total.
Younus was again instrumental as he followed his twin centuries in the series opener at Dubai last week with an unbeaten 110.
With Azhar Ali also following him to a century, his sixth, in the final over of day they had put on an unbroken 208 for the third wicket as Australia were again forced to toil after losing the toss.
Australia made a pair of changes from their opening loss with Glenn Maxwell’s inclusion for number three Alex Doolan the most eye-catching. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe was also left out for the pace of Mitchell Starc.
Both new men were amongst eight bowlers used by Australia skipper Michael Clarke as he again spent most of the day desperately trying to find a way to remove Younus.
Pakistan had already laid a solid foundation at 96 for two by the time the 36-year-old arrived at the crease.
Nathan Lyon trapped Ahmed Shehzad lbw before lunch and early in the afternoon session Mohammad Hafeez offered a regulation nick behind off Mitchell Johnson.
It was Australia's final success of the day as Younus quickly settled in alongside Azhar – who has scored four of his previous five Test centuries in the United Arab Emirates.
Australia did have a chance to remove Younus early, but they failed to review after a Mitchell Marsh delivery squeezed into leg then bat, and they were then otherwise restricted to half chances.
Younus had whisked past Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Pakistan record of 25 Test centuries in Dubai and took the lead role in his partnership with Azhar.
He scored 41 of their first 50 runs together before reaching his half-century first, from 74 balls, shortly after tea.
Pakistan upped the scoring rate after the final break, scoring 146 runs in 36 overs, and Younus brought up his century from 128 balls just before the new ball was due.
Australia had been forced to change the old ball after it split and a brand new one failed to provide any joy – save for Johnson pinning Younus on the helmet – as Azhar was able to celebrate a century he had laboured over for 223 balls just before the close.