Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq punish Australia and all but seal series for Pakistan

Pakistan have not won a series against the Aussies for 20 years

Misbah-ul Haq of Pakistan bats during Day Two of the Second Test

(GETTY IMAGES)

Pakistan all but ensured a first Test series win over Australia in 20 years, with Younis Khan’s fifth double-century and a hundred from Misbah-ul-Haq putting them in a handsome position on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Following victory in the opening match, Pakistan need only a draw to win the two-match series and a first-innings total of 570 for 6 declared goes a long way towards guaranteeing that.

Much of the work had been done on day one, when hundreds from Azhar Ali and Younis helped them reach 304 for 2, and the latter found another willing partner in captain Misbah. Having already hit two centuries in Dubai, Younis excelled again, turning his overnight 111 into 213. Misbah then deepened Australia’s pain with 101 before declaring. In reply Australia soon lost Chris Rogers to close on 22 for 1.

Mitchell Johnson almost had Younis in the third over of the morning, David Warner dropping a tough chance at gully. There was worse to come for Australia when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was forced from the field after injuring his shoulder.

Warner took the gloves and promptly missed a stumping chance against Younis from Nathan Lyon’s first ball.Younis then settled before Warner caught Ali when he tickled Mitchell Starc down the leg side for 109. Misbah began strongly, thumping his fourth ball, from Lyon, into the onside for six and scored fluently.

Haddin returned for the afternoon session, and though Australia’s bowlers kept plugging away they found little joy, Younis smashing Glenn Maxwell for six to go within a shot of his 200. Instead he passed the landmark with a gentle single shortly after steering his side past 500. Four balls later Misbah reverse-swept Maxwell for four to reach his hundred.

He eventually fell before tea, popping a return catch to Steve Smith, and the main part of the innings came to a close when Younis heaved across the line at Peter Siddle and dragged on.