West Indies require 153 runs to win the third and final Test after dismissing Pakistan for 208 in their second innings on the fourth day in Sharjah on Wednesday.
Paceman Jason Holder finished with a career-best 5-30 while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo took 3-46 after Pakistan resumed the day on 87-4.
Opener Azhar Ali was dismissed for 91 while Sarfraz Ahmed made 42.
Pakistan lead the three-match series 2-0.