Misbah-ul-Haq puts Pakistan on verge of victory over Australia

Misbah (101 not out) matched Viv Richards' feat of scoring a Test century in 56 balls earlier on day four in Abu Dhabi as the hosts built a huge lead in the second, and final, game of the series.

Pakistan's bowlers then left Australia in deep trouble as they closed on Sunday 460 runs behind with six wickets remaining, leaving Misbah's side on the brink of a first series win against them since 1994.

Starting the day on 61-2, Pakistan were given a strong start by Younis Khan and Azhar Ali (100 not out), the pair putting on 91 before Steve Smith (1-54) removed the former lbw for 46.

Any thoughts Australia had of taking quick wickets to set up a chance of victory were quickly dashed as Azhar and Misbah produced some devastating play to take Pakistan's lead over 600.

The duo quickly set about the tourists' bowling attack with Misbah racing to 50 off just 21 balls with four fours and four sixes, while Ali watched on content to support his captain.

The relentless pace continued to take the game away from Michael Clarke's side and Richards' 28-year record began to come into view.

Misbah reached the 90s off 51 deliveries and, with one ball left to equal the record, the 40-year-old got a thick edge to Mitchell Starc's second ball of the 61st over, the resulting boundary lifting the Pakistan captain into the history books.

The hosts promptly declared on 293-3, with both players having reached their centuries for the second time in the match, leaving Australia facing a daunting run chase to stay in the game and the series

Chris Rogers (2) was unable to handle the pressure as he went first, quickly followed by Glenn Maxwell (4) and Clarke (4).

Zulfiqar Babar (3-65) was causing all kinds of problems to Australia's top order and the tourists were 101-4 when Mohammad Hafeez (1-33) had David Warner (58) caught at point.

Smith (38 not out) and Mitchell Marsh (26 not out) saw Australia to the close on 143-4, but they face a huge challenge just to save the game on Monday.