ABU DHABI: (Web Desk) – Pakistan declared the innings immediately after completion of skipper Misbahul Haq and Azhar Ali’s historic centuries. Australia came on to bat and lost their first opener Rogers (2) in the 8th over when the total had reached 19 only. He was ught by Asad Shafiq off Zulfiqar Babar’s ball. Glenn Maxwell was the next to go. He was also undone by Zulfiqar Babar. Maxwell could only add 4 runs to the Australian total. Clarke was bowled out by the same Zulfiqar in his next over and at the end of 14th over, Australia were 43 for the loss of 3 wickets.
Warner and Smith then joined hands and stabilized the innings a bit but Warner was also taken out by Mohammad Hafeez when the total had reached 101. He was caught by Yasir Shah, standing at the point, after scoring 58 runs off 75 balls with the help of 6 boundaries.
Smith (38)* and Marsh (26)* are still on the crease and they will carry the innings forward tomorrow from the same point. However, Aussies still have to bat 90 more overs and have only 6 wickets in hand while Pakistani bowlers do not seem to be in any mood to allow them to survive that long. The final day of the battle will commence tomorrow morning with Pakistanis having their tails up.
Earlier: Misbah equals fastest 100 in Test record, Azhar Ali also scores ton. Pakistan declared at 293, Australia given target of 603 runs, Azhar made centuries in both innings.
Pakistan has finished its second innings of the 2nd Test against Australia in a subliminal style. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq equaled the record of great Sir Vivian Richards for fastest Test 100 by scoring it in just 56 balls. On the other hand, Azhar Ali also joined the ‘centuries in both innings of a Test’ club. Misbah scored his century with the help of 11 boundaries and 5 sixes.
Scoring his century in 174 balls, Azhar Ali kneeled down in Sujood in the ground and as the crowd cheered his gesture, Misbah declared the innings at 293 for the loss of 3 wickets, giving Aussies a massive target of 603 runs to chase. Azhar hit 6 boundaries to get to his 100. Johnson got 2 wickets while Smith took 1.
Stunning performances by Pakistani batsmen left Aussie bowlers startled and their body language while leaving the ground clearly showed the stress. It is up to Pakistani bowlers now to get Aussies out within next 4 and half sessions.
Misbah breaks record for fastest Test 50 ever in Cricket history. Pakistan is 210 for the loss of 3 wickets with a confortable 519 runs lead over Australia at Lunch.
Going completely against his nature and style of batting, Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq has broken the record for fastest 50 in the history of Test cricket today (Sunday) in abu Dhabi against Australia. The record was previously held by South Africa’s Jaques Kallis who had scored 50 off just 24 balls. Interestingly, Misbah has actually left behind Shahid Afridi for fastest 50 by a Pakistani. Shahid had scored 50 off just 26 balls in 2004-05 against India in Bangalore.
Earlier, Younis Khan and Azhar Ali batted well to carry on from where they had left last night. Younis had a few shaky strokes and at least 2 close shouts for LBW and Caught Behind before he was dismissed by Smith off a ball that remained low on him. He scored 46.
Misbah and Azhar Ali have started batting again now after the Lunch and with some exceptional batting Misbah has now moved on to 71 off 34 balls while Azhar Ali is batting at 79 off 144 balls.
