Ahmed Shehzad exploited the lack of penetration in Australia’s bowling attack to post an unbeaten century on day four of the first Test in Dubai.

Pakistan were in control at 1-231 in their second innings at tea on Saturday, leading by 382 runs overall with four sessions remaining.

First-year player Shehzad completed his second Test century off 208 deliveries, gazing skywards in celebration.

He has hit 10 fours and four sixes in three minutes shy of five hours at the crease.

First-innings century-maker Younis Khan is 67 not out.

The 22-year-old Shehzad played some big shots after reaching his hundred including hitting two sixes and a four in a 20-run over from pace bowler Peter Siddle (0-44).

Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson (0-34 off 12 overs) has again looked threatening for Australia after his 3-39 off 31 overs in Pakistan’s first innings.

Debutant Steve O’Keefe (1-79) and fellow spinner Nathan Lyon (0-50) were unable to break through in the middle session in which Pakistan scored 115 runs without losing a wicket.

Brad Haddin caught a sharp chance in the webbing of his right glove to remove Azhar Ali for 30 off the bowling of O’Keefe at 1-71.

That was Australia’s only joy in the first session as Pakistan went to lunch at 1-116.

Australia had made 303 in their first innings, despite David Warner (133) and Chris Rogers (38) laying the perfect platform for a 400-plus total with an opening stand of 128.

Alex Doolan was run out for five and Michael Clarke fell at bat-pad for two, while Steve Smith (22) and Mitchell Marsh (27) failed to push on to big scores.

Tailender Johnson made 37 and wicketkeeper/batsman Haddin made 22.

“Everyone was playing well,” vice-captain Haddin said.

“We probably just weren’t disciplined enough for one or two guys to get that big score.”