Australia was facing an uphill task to level the two-match test series against Pakistan after losing opener Chris Rogers in a brief session while chasing its opponent’s big first-inning total Friday.
In the second test match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Pakistan rode a double century from Younis Khan (213) and a century from captain Misbah-ul Haq (101) before declaring in the last hour of day 2 at 570—6.
In the 5.2 overs that was possible before stumps were drawn in fading light, Rogers edged fast bowler Imran Khan to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, before David Warner (16 not out) and night-watchman Nathan Lyon (1 not out) saw them to the close.
Pakistan’s innings was built around the fourth-wicket partnership of 179 runs between Khan and Misbah, after the other centurion of the innings, Azhar Ali (109), was dismissed for the addition of just eight runs to his overnight score of 101.
Misbah, batting under pressure because of his lean run in all forms of cricket, made the most of walking in after the first three wickets had put on 332 runs, and played a delightful knock of 101 before a soft dismissal when he pushed Steven Smith’s leg spin back to the bowler for a simple catch.
Khan made the most of three reprieves early in the day and took a heavy toll on the Australian bowling as he made his fourth double century and the first against Australia. When he reached 181, Khan also became only the third batsman from his country to reach 8,000 runs.
“I am just a proud Pakistani that I have been able to score a double century and complete 8,000 career runs,” Khan said. “I thought Misbah played a brilliant innings today. He was so positive from the first ball and that helped ease the pressure on me and helped me reach the double hundred. Test cricket is really all about partnerships and we have had some very good ones”
Khan reached 196 with his second six of the innings off Maxwell, whom he lofted over long off, and then pushed the same bowler for a single in his next over to reach his double century. It took him 334 balls and he struck 14 boundaries and two sixes.
Misbah played aggressive cricket throughout and slammed his sixth career test century in just 165 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and two sixes. He is now the oldest batsman from Asia to make a century at the age of 40 years and 156 days.
Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was injured after falling down heavily on his right shoulder and had to leave the field for more than an hour in the first session.
“Tomorrow is going to be the moving day for us,” Haddin said. “The pitch has played very well so far. Test cricket is not supposed to be easy and I am proud how our guys stuck to their task. We will now have to be selfish in our batting.”
A draw or a win would give Pakistan a rare series win over Australia. They have beaten them five times before at home, but their last series victory came 20 years ago in 1994.
