Cricketing record smashed: Pakistani skipper sets new half-century best

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul Haq set a new world record for the fastest half-century in a test match, reaching 50 runs off just 21 balls on the fourth day of the second test against Australia on Sunday. After hitting the first ball he faced from Steve Smith for a boundary, he sliced the next to a running Peter Siddle who dropped the shoulder-high catch. The right-handed captain went on to hit five sixes—including three in one over Smith —and 11 boundaries in his 57-ball knock of 101 when he declared with Pakistan on 293-3 in their second innings at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

56 ball Ton for #Misbah at the age of 40..!!! Incredible… And against the Aussies…..Marvellous #PAKvAUS

Former England cricket captain, Michael Vaughan on Twitter

Misbah’s consecutive boundaries also meant he matched the century record set by West Indies great Viv Richards in 1986 against England at St John’s in Antigua. Azhar Ali was at the crease with his captain to hit his second century of the test and was not-out on 100 when Pakistan declared, setting Australia a 603-run victory target. Pakistan cruised to victory during the opening match of the test series in Dubai and are almost certain of securing their first test series victory over Australia in 20 years.

Sports Misbah