England must hit 324 runs in their second innings to avoid a third Test defeat and a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan.
England have only chased down more than 300 to win a Test match on three occasions and, if they achieve it in Dubai, it will be their second highest run chase after a successful pursuit of 332 against Australia in Melbourne in 1928.
The game could have been put out of sight by Pakistan earlier on day three with Azhar Ali the star man, hitting a career-best 157, while Younus Khan was removed lbw for 127 as they were sitting pretty on 331-3.
But Monty Panesar's 5-124 and Graeme Swann helped England dismiss Pakistan for 365 to leave them with a glimmer of hope, albeit on a turning pitch.
Captain Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook had made inroads into the victory target by reaching stumps on 36-0, although they were tested throughout by Pakistan's trio of spinners.
Cook was fortunate in the third over when he was dropped at third slip by Taufeeq Umar off Umar Gul, while Strauss survived an lbw appeal off Mohammad Hafeez, which Pakistan unsuccessfully sent for a referral.
The pair will look to stay at the crease for as long as possible when play resumes on Monday, but considering England have been bowled out for fewer than 200 four times in five innings this series, they face a tall order to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.