Misbah-ul-Haq scored the 13th half century as Pakistan skipper by making an unbeaten 83 off 168 balls with five fours and four sixes on the first day of the second Test match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (January 25).
It was his second fifty plus score in as many innings against England and 19th overall in 55 innings of 33 Test matches. Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar had renewed their spin-bowling double act for England for the first time in two-and-a-half years and both had a wicket to their name by lunch. Swann bowled Taufeeq Umar in his fourth over while Monty Panesar dismissed Mohammad Hafeez in the same fashion in his seventh. The last time England have two spinners was against Australia at Cardiff in 2009. Swann also became the fifth highest wicket-taker for England against Pakistan by bowling out Abdur Rehman in the last over of the day. It was his 29th wicket in eight innings of six Test matches against Pakistan.
The 100-run stand between Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq was eighth century stand for the fifth wicket for Pakistan against England. It was only the second century stand for Pakistan against England on neutral venue after 114-run partnership for the opening wicket between Hafeez and Taufeeq in the first Test match at Dubai.