ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: Misbah-ul Haq smashed the fastest half-century ever in test cricket to lead Pakistan to an overall lead of 519 runs over Australia at lunch on the fourth day of the second test Sunday.
Misbah reached his 50 off 21 deliveries with the last ball before lunch, turning Mitchell Starc to the mid-wicket boundary for three runs. The Pakistan captain has eclipsed the previous record of 50 from 24 balls by South Africa's Jacques Kallis against Zimbabwe at Newlands in 2005.
Azhar Ali was on 72 not out at the break, as Pakistan went to lunch at 210-3.
Misbah's 23-minute stay at the crease has already produced four sixes and four boundaries.
Younis Khan was the only wicket to fall in the morning session, trapped lbw by Steven Smith for 46.
Pakistan has already ensured Australia will need to produce a history-making second innings if it is to win the match and level the series. The highest successful fourth innings chase is 418 by the West Indies at St John's against Australia in May 2003.
A draw or a win in the test match would give Pakistan a rare series win over Australia. Pakistan has beaten them five times before at home, but their last series victory came 20 years ago in 1994.
