Pakistan set Australia 603-run target

Abu Dhabi: Pakistan set a mammoth 603-run target for Australia to win the second Test and save the series after declaring their second innings on 293-3 on the fourth day in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Azhar Ali scored 100 not out while Misbah-ul Haq was unbeaten on 101, setting a new world record for the fastest Test half-century off just 21 balls and equalling the fastest century record of 56 balls.

That put Pakistan well on course for a 2-0 series win after winning the first Test by 221 runs. Pakistan have not beaten Australia in a series since their 1-0 win at home in 1994.

Pakistan had a 309-run lead going into their second innings after scoring 570-6 declared in their first innings and in reply dismissed Australia for 261.