Reverse swing has emerged as a key weapon for Pakistan in their two-Test series against Australia starting on Wednesday in Dubai.
Chasing 339 for victory on Saturday's fourth and final day of play in their match against Pakistan A in Sharjah, Australia were bowled out for 185 off 51.3 overs.
Back-up Test opener Phil Hughes top-scored with 65 while Test opener Chris Rogers (0 and 3) and skipper Michael Clarke (10 and five) failed twice in the match.
The game was not a first-class fixture and Australia took the option on Saturday of resting their two top-scorers from their first innings; Alex Doolan (104) and Steve Smith (58).
Uncapped Test hopeful Mitchell Marsh made 35 at No.5 and tailender Peter Siddle scored 41.
Six of the nine wickets to fall to the bowlers in Australia's second innings were claimed by Pakistan A's pace trio Mohammad Talha (3-32), Rahat Ali (2-36) and Imran Khan (1-18), while left-arm spinner Raza Hasan took 3-60.
Hughes's display, which included eight fours and one six off 107 deliveries, is not expected to unseat Rogers who has scored at least one hundred in each of Australia's past three Test series.
However, the form of Rogers will be a slight concern for Australia, while Clarke is also lacking time in the middle after being rested from last week's one-day series following a hamstring strain.
Rogers' Test opening partner David Warner, who didn't play against Pakistan A because of a groin strain, has been walking laps of the oval this week and is likely to take his place in the side on Wednesday.
"It was good for everyone to have a bit of a hit-out over the last four days," Hughes said after Australia's 153-run loss.
"Going forward we're going to know spin is going to play a big part as well as reverse swing, so they're probably the two biggest things.
"It was probably what got me out (caught behind).
"When the quicks came back on for their second spells, that's when it started reversing.
"It's more so when you start your innings against reverse swing.
"That's probably the toughest challenge for the middle-order batsmen.
"When you're batting out there, it slowly gradually starts reversing."
Test specialist Rogers was run out for three on Saturday and faced six balls in the match.
"It was just a little mix-up. It was really disappointing," Hughes said.
"You've just got to really move on.
"No doubt 'Bucky' will be fine next week. He's an ultimate professional and he has a great Test record behind him."
Hughes, 25, said he had no idea if his half-century put him in the frame for a Test recall.
"I'll be supporting the boys next week and whatever the team is, it is," the 26-Test veteran said.
"I know where I stand in this side and in the squad."
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