Dubai, Jan 18: Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar put on a solid 114-run stand to lead Pakistan to 138-2 at lunch on the second day of the first cricket test against England on Wednesday.
Stuart Broad (2-35) claimed two quick wickets to ease England's frustration after Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal's 7-55 had skittled test cricket's top-ranked side for 192 in its first innings Tuesday.
Broad, bowling round the wicket, clean bowled Umar for 58 as the left-hander played to the wrong line, then found a thin edge to dismiss Azhar Ali (1).
Umar and Hafeez batted with aggression against the England seamers after resuming at the overnight score of 42-0.
The pair added 48 runs inside the first hour with both using their feet against lone spinner Graeme Swann for some attractive boundaries.
England twice came close to dismissing Hafeez, but Ian Bell missed a sharp run out chance and Chris Tremlett could not hang on to a diving catch off a mistimed hook shot.
Umar completed his half century with his ninth four when he hit seamer Chris Tremlett through the covers before Bell's throw from square leg narrowly missed the stumps with Hafeez well short of crease.
Hafeez had another lucky escape shortly after completing his half century—also off nine boundaries—but Tremlett's desperate dive at wide mid-on saw the ball pop out of his hands.
Broad, who bowled sharply in his second spell, didn't have to wait long as he ended the 114-run partnership by dismissing Umar off the next delivery.
Hafeez, who has faced 127 balls and hit 10 boundaries, will resume on 70 with former captain Younis Khan unbeaten on 6.
