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A round-up of Ram Slam T20 Challenge matches that took place on January 24

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jan-2014Craig Alexander took 4 for 27 to lead Dolphins to a seven-run victory in Paarl and cut Cobras’ lead in the competition to six points. Dolphins also have two games in hand over Cobras, who were missing Graeme Smith and JP Duminy. After choosing to bat, Dolphins progressed to 82 for 1 in ten overs, with Cameron Delport making 49 off 37 balls. The second half of the innings, however, was not as solid and Dolphins managed only 63 runs in the last ten overs to reach 145 for 8. Sunil Narine took three wickets for Cobras. The chase got off to a poor start with Cobras slipping to 18 for 3, and by the end of the eleventh over they were 46 for 5. Their chances suffered a body blow when Alexander dismissed Hashim Amla for a run-a-ball 26. Cobras got to 138 for 8 only because Justin Kemp scored a 33-ball 56.The match between Lions and Knights at Senwes Park was washed out without a ball being bowled. The result left Lions winless and in last place with five points in seven games, all but ending their reign in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge. Knights were fifth, with 14 points after eight games.Warriors and Titans suffered a setback to their campaigns because of a washout at in East London. Warriors, however, were lucky to share points after they had collapsed to 59 for 9 in a game that had been shortened to 12 overs a side. Morne Morkel and Saeed Ajmal took three wickets each for Titans, and only Ashwell Prince and Davy Jacobs made it into double figures. It began to rain in the final over of the first innings, though, and the Titans chase never began. Warriors were third and Titans fourth in the league.

Centuries by Matt Pardoe and Moeen Ali put Worcestershire in charge on a bad first day for Glamorgan in their Division Two meeting at New Road

20-Jun-2013
ScorecardMoeen Ali extended his lead at the top of the Division Two run-scoring charts•PA PhotosCenturies by Matt Pardoe and Moeen Ali put Worcestershire in charge on a bad first day for Glamorgan in their Division Two meeting at New Road. Mark Wallace’s decision to bowl first on winning the toss backfired as two left-handers shared in the home side’s first double-century partnership in the competition for nearly three years.Pardoe completed an impressive maiden hundred with 102 from 235 balls, and Moeen cemented his position as the leading scorer in Division Two in making an unbeaten 155 towards a total of 322 for 3.Already Worcestershire are in far better shape than at Cardiff in April when Australian seamer Michael Hogan took seven wickets in Glamorgan’s only victory in seven Championship games so far. Hogan has since become the leading wicket-taker in the division and it was his opening spell of 1 for 9 in seven overs that gave Worcestershire their toughest examination in the return meeting.The 6ft 5in seamer cut one back into Daryl Mitchell’s pads to claim the only success in the first two sessions and after lunch he was as close as anyone to unseating Moeen when the batsman got away with an edge past the slips.Once the shine had gone from the ball, the conditions favoured the batsmen and Moeen, in his first innings since his 26th birthday on Tuesday, was clearly determined to profit on a slow surface. His second 50 included only three boundaries and two of them came from successive balls off Marcus North as he moved up to 99. A single in the Australian’s next over took him to three figures from 169 balls.For Pardoe it was a new experience to move through the 90s and after surviving one big lbw appeal the academy product raised his hundred with leg-side blows for six and four off North. This is shaping up to be the best of his three seasons in first-team cricket. Having scored fifties in two of the previous home Championship games, he took the big step after hitting 13 fours and two sixes.The next ball he faced proved to be the last. Propping forward, he edged to Jim Allenby, giving Dean Cosker some compensation after conceding 22 runs in two overs before lunch. The second-wicket stand eventually produced 219 in 64 overs, the county’s best for any wicket since Moeen put on 215 with James Cameron in a promotion-clinching win against Sussex in September 2010.Glamorgan’s struggle continued as Moeen and Thilan Samaraweera (38) put on 90 before the former Sri Lanka batsman steered Allenby to backward point where Ben Wright dived to his right to hold a sharp chance.

The PCB has awarded cash prizes for both the men’s and women’s teams after their recent twin successes in the West Indies and the ICC Women’s World T20 qualifiers

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Aug-2013The recent successes of Pakistan’s men’s and women’s team has earned them monetary rewards from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The men’s team won the ODI and T20 series in the West Indies, while the women had success in the qualifiers for the 2014 Women’s World Twenty20.Each member of the men’s team has been given Rs. 200,000 (USD $2000), while the members of the women’s team were each given Rs.100,000 (USD $1000.) Misbah-ul-Haq, captain of the men’s team, along with Umar Akmal, Zulfiqar Babar and Shahid Afridi were given an additional Rs. 400,000 (USD $4000) for their outstanding performances.Najam Sethi, the caretaker PCB chairman, was buoyed by their success: “The performances of both our men’s and women’s teams merited a reward. The tenacity shown by the boys under Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez in the West Indies was quite remarkable.”The women’s team too has maintained an upwardly mobile trajectory, and their achievement of finishing the ICC Qualifiers for the World T20 championship on top of their event is indeed commendable. The PCB management is positive that the cash rewards and recognition shall inspire both teams to keep it up and notch greater accomplishments.”Following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in which they failed to win a single game, Pakistan bounced back strongly in the West Indies, winning the ODI and T20 series by 3-1 and 2-0 respectively. Misbah led the team from the front and was the top scorer in the ODI series with 260 runs at 65. Akmal, who was making his return to the ODI squad, played some valuable knocks and was solid behind the stumps.Babar, the left-arm spinner, had a dream debut against West Indies in the opening T20 International, picking up three key wickets and striking a six to pull off a thrilling victory. Afridi, who was also making a return in the ODI side, had instant impact by securing a win in the opening ODI with 7 for 12 and 76 off 55 balls, but remained below par for the rest of the tour.Pakistan women’s side had a successful tour in England, thumping England Academy, winning a series against Ireland, and then drew the series against England. They also qualified for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 when they beat Ireland by nine wickets and went on to share the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier trophy with Sri Lanka after rain abandoned their match.

The ICC has suspended Hong Kong allrounder Irfan Ahmed for two-and-a-half years after he admitted to breaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Apr-2016The ICC has suspended Hong Kong allrounder Irfan Ahmed for two years and six months after he admitted to breaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code. Ahmed has accepted the suspension and waived his right to appeal.Ahmed has not been charged with any offence involving corruption. The ICC’s anti-corruption unit, however, established that he failed to disclose “full details of approaches or invitations to engage in corrupt conduct that had been made to him between January 2012 and January 2014”.The allrounder was charged under Article 2.4.2 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code which states, “Failing to disclose to the ACU (without undue delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in conduct that would amount to a breach of the Anti-Corruption Code.”Ahmed was provisionally suspended in November 2015 following an investigation by the ACU “relating in part to the activities of another individual known to the ACU and suspected of making corrupt approaches to participants”. His period of ineligibility will take effect from the date of the provisional suspension (November 4, 2015) and will end on May 4, 2018.Ronnie Flanagan, chairman of the ACU, said the suspension should serve as a reminder to participants of the need to comply with the code.”It is pleasing to note that the investigation upon which these charges were founded originated from information that had been disclosed to the ACU,” Flanagan said in an ICC release. “This is a clear and welcome demonstration that participants now more and more fully realise their own responsibilities in combating this scourge on the game through prompt and diligent reporting as required by the Code.”However, it is also indicative of the worrying trend that those intent on corrupting the game are increasingly focusing their activities on Associate Member cricket and that the sport therefore needs to ensure that it is appropriately resourced and protected in that area.”Mike Walsh, chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association, said the board supported the ICC’s fight against corruption. “The HKCA are pleased this matter has now reached its conclusion and fully support the continued fight against corruption in cricket,” Walsh said. “We echo the ICC ACU Chairman’s concerns about the recent attention paid to emerging cricket nations by illegal betting networks, and we stand with the ICC to reinforce their efforts in educating our players and officials about the very real risks currently faced by cricket.”The 26-year-old Ahmed has played six ODIs since his debut in 2008, as well as eight T20Is, the last of which was in July 2015. He had been in the top bracket for centrally contracted cricketers in Hong Kong in 2014-15, but was not retained for the 2015-16 season.

Manchester United have finalised a £73 million ($93m) transfer for Rasmus Hojlund, but when will the striker be unveiled at Old Trafford?

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Red Devils buying into potentialAcquiring long-term option in No.9 roleMost expensive striker they have ever signedWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils have been in the market for a new No.9 from the moment that five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was released as a free agent in November 2022. Several targets are reported to have been identified since then – from Harry Kane to Victor Osimhen via Kolo Randal Muani and Goncalo Ramos.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United have eventually settled on Denmark international Hojlund, with the highly-rated 20-year-old considered to be a shrewd addition for the present and future. He is being lured away from Serie A giants Atalanta in a deal that will make him the most expensive frontman ever signed by the Red Devils.

AND WHAT'S MORE

Hojlund arrived in England to finalise his deal later than planned, with the youngster taking in a medical on Tuesday. reports that he has passed all of those checks and officially signed a five-year contract. Hojlund is now set to be unveiled to the United faithful ahead of a pre-season friendly clash with Lens at Old Trafford on Saturday.

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United – who have used Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as central strikers in recent times, while also taking Netherlands international Wout Weghorst on loan in January – will be hoping to see Hojlund hit the ground running, with it possible that his competitive debut will come in a 2023-24 Premier League season opener at home to Wolves on August 14.

Nasir Jamshed has said he wants to boost his reputation on the tour of South Africa, the first time he’ll be playing outside Asia

Umar Farooq20-Jan-2013Nasir Jamshed has said he wants to boost his reputation on the tour of South Africa, the first time he’ll be playing outside Asia.Jamshed made his international debut in early 2008, in the home ODI series against Zimbabwe. He had a relatively tidy stint between 2008 and 2009, playing mostly against Asian teams in Asia, before missing out due to fitness issues. After two-and-a-half years he returned to international cricket last year, scored 602 runs at 66.88 with three hundreds and three fifties. He played 22 ODIs and 11 T20Is, all in Asia; his grade-cricket career too was confined to the subcontinent. His limited-overs credentials, though, ultimately won him a Test call-up for the tour of South Africa.Jamshed, who struck back-to-back centuries in the ODI series against India, is currently Pakistan’s best batsman in terms of form and consistency. He is keen on becoming a complete batsman who can adjust to any conditions around the world. “I don’t want to be tagged as an Asian-oriented batsman,” Jamshed told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s the line between an average and a world-class player,” he added, claiming success around the world was key.”I admit I haven’t played outside Asia and the tour to South Africa without doubt will be my first real test and I am prepared for it.”Jamshed, 23, who, so far, has played against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and Australia, said he is yet to face a “tough” bowler in international cricket. In South Africa, though, he is expecting tougher competition. “I haven’ played out of Asia; similarly I am yet to face tough bowlers, so it would be a unique experience for me to bat against South Africa’s world-class bowlers in their own backyard.”Pakistan have toured South Africa on four occasions since 1995. The pitches in South Africa have always tested Pakistan’s batsmen. Among the openers, Taufeeq Umar and Saeed Anwar managed to score centuries, with the current vice-captain Mohammad Hafeez averging 16.5 in six innings played in 2007. “I never been to South Africa at any stage of my career but the pitches there are always challenging,” Jamshed said. “I don’t know what happened in past but every day is a new day and things do improve with time. It obviously will be tough but we are well prepared for it and I have my plans as an opener.”I know they have done some homework on me and I am not worried at all but I have to think ahead of them and give them nothing. There is no need to rush. If they want to bowl hard, I have all the strokes and patience required for Test cricket. I have also worked so hard on my defence, making it more solid.”Pakistan’s Test squad left for South Africa on Sunday morning from Lahore.

New Zealand Women eased to six-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in the qualification play-off in Sylhet, to book their place in the 2016 Women’s World Twenty20

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2014
ScorecardNew Zealand’s win meant they have qualified for the next edition of the Women’s World T20•ICCNew Zealand Women eased to six-wicket win against Sri Lanka Women in the qualification play-off in Sylhet, to book their place in the 2016 Women’s World Twenty20.The teams that finish in the top six at this World T20 automatically qualify for the next edition of the tournament; the four semi-finalists – Australia, South Africa, England and West Indies – are already through, while New Zealand take the fifth spot. India and Pakistan will play for the final berth later in the day. The teams that don’t secure qualification here have to compete in a separate qualifying tournament, to make it to the 2016 showpiece event.New Zealand chased down 132 without too much fuss to seal their spot. The chase was set up by two innings of 40-odd from opener Suzie Bates and No. 5 Rachel Priest, who remained unbeaten. Both batsmen were able to score quickly too, with Bates’ 45 coming off 31 balls, and Priest’s 42 off 32.Sri Lanka’s total of 131 for 7 was set up in similar manner, by knocks off 45 off 35 from Yasoda Mendis and 46 off 44 by Chamari Atapattu. However, New Zealand handled Sri Lanka’s bowlers even better, to register the vital victory.

Essex clawed their way out of another batting crisis against Leicestershire on the second day at Grace Road, just a week after they were bowled out for 20 by Lancashire.

22-Jun-2013
ScorecardMatthew Hoggard was playing his first game since April•Getty ImagesEssex clawed their way out of another batting crisis against Leicestershire onthe second day at Grace Road, just a weekafter they were bowled out for 20 by Lancashire.Essex plunged to 28 for 4, with veteran seamer Matthew Hoggard claiming allfour at a cost of just 12 runs in his first appearance since April. But Mark Pettini, recalled to the side after last week’s embarrassment, hit hisfirst Championship half-century of the season to lead the recovery, and Essexclosed on 196 for 6 in reply to Leicestershire’s 302.Earlier, on a rain interrupted day, Graham Napier claimed Leicestershire’s lastthree wickets to finish with career best Championship figures of 7 for 90 in30.4 overs.Leicestershire added another 34 runs to their overnight 268 for 7 withMichael Thornely completing his half century off 102 balls with five fours and asix, before being pinned lbw by Napier for 53. Ollie Freckingham and Alex Wyatt were also Napier victims, but a boundary byHoggard earned Leicestershire a third batting bonus point.Then Hoggard got to work with the ball after hislengthy absence from the side because of a hip injury. In between the showers,that sent the players off the field on four occasions, Hoggard had Tom Westleycaught behind, trapped Nick Browne lbw next ball, found the edge of JaikMickleburgh’s bat to induce a catch at gully and bowled Owais Shah with anabsolute beauty that hit the off stump.It was an inspired 12-over spell from Hoggard, but once he came off Essex beganto fight their way back. Pettini and Ryan ten Doeschate shared a vital sixthwicket stand of 85 in 25 overs as the home attack became ragged.The Essex pair put on 48 in one eight over spell, but the partnership wasbroken when ten Doeschate was caught at slip trying to cut a lifting deliveryfrom Wyatt. He had made 40 off 69 balls with six fours.Pettini reached his 50 off 133 balls with six fours, and James Foster showedhis intent with a six off Naik as he joined Pettini in another substantialpartnership of 78. But shortly before the close, Wyatt had Pettini lbw for 72off 175 balls and, at stumps, Foster was unbeaten on 45 with Essex trailing by106 runs.

The Reds are running out of time to strengthen at the No.6 position after their two primary targets both rejected them to sign for Chelsea instead

We knew that Liverpool would sign some midfielders this summer. The engine room effectively broke down last season and the Reds unravelled as a result, failing to finish in the Premier League's top four. As such, reinforcements were essential, even just from a numbers perspective, with the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all heading for the exit door.

It came as no surprise, then, to see Liverpool move quickly in the transfer market, adding some much-needed dynamism and creativity to the midfield by activating buy-out clauses to bring in both Alexis Mac Allister, from Brighton, and RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai.

What we didn't expect, though, was a complete clear-out, an absolute overhaul of the entire department – and yet that's exactly what has played out, with Liverpool having made the surprising decision to cash in on both first-choice No.6 Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson, who often stood in for the Brazilian in front of the back four.

As a result, at least one more signing is required, a defensive midfielder of considerable skill and stature to tie the whole midfield together. For a long time, Romeo Lavia looked like being that player. However, Chelsea now look likely to beat the Reds to Lavia's signature.

It's a bitter blow, especially considering the Blues already secured the services of Moises Caicedo ahead of Liverpool this week, and it leaves the club in a seriously tricky position. The clock is ticking towards Deadline Day and the Reds seem a million miles away from securing the holding midfield player that they so desperately need.

Ahead of what is set to be a frenetic final few weeks of the summer, GOAL takes a look at the alternative targets Liverpool could look to sign…

GettyKalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

A transfer link that appeared to come out of nowhere at the start of the summer, but one that does make a modicum of sense. Kalvin Phillips only arrived at Manchester City a year ago, and many players need a season to get to grips with Pep Guardiola's complex tactical approach.

However, the mere fact that the treble-winners made a move for Declan Rice underlined that Phillips is considered neither an heir to – or an adequate understudy for – Rodri. So, it's just really difficult to see the England international belatedly breaking into the City side, even if he gets over his injury issues.

A transfer, then, appears inevitable, and it was thought that West Ham might sign Phillips as their Rice replacement. But with the Hammers opting for James Ward-Prowse instead, the Reds could rekindle their apparent interest in the England international.

Liverpool would be understandably reluctant to pay too much money for a 27-year-old with just 49 Premier League games under his belt, though Phillips could agitate for a move after being an unused sub once again in his side's Premier League opener against Burnley.

AdvertisementGettyBoubacar Kamara (Aston Villa)

Steven Gerrard may not have got a lot right at Aston Villa, but there's no denying the genius of snapping up Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer from Marseille, with the midfielder enjoying an excellent first season in England.

Douglas Luiz may have made more headlines for his contribution to Villa's remarkable revival under Unai Emery, but Kamara proved just as integral to the Spaniard's game plan on account of his ability to break up opposition attacks and move the ball on quickly to other, more creative colleagues. More importantly, Kamara would be capable of covering a huge amount of ground in a similarly effective manner to peak Fabinho.

Villa, though, have absolutely no need to sell, as Kamara is under contract until 2027. It would take a massive bid to even get Villa to the negotiating table and even then, Emery would do his utmost to block the sale of a player that is so important to his side.

GettyFlorentino Luis (Benfica)

Enzo Fernandez earned himself a massive move to Chelsea in January thanks to his fine form for Benfica during the first half of last season and, more importantly, the pivotal role he played in Argentina winning the World Cup. However, one of the main reasons why he excelled for the Eagles was his partner in Roger Schmidt's midfield, Florentino Luis, arguably the revelation of the club's campaign.

Indeed, he had spent the previous two seasons out on loan, at Monaco and Getafe, and, truth be told, he didn't play particularly well for either club. There was certainly no indication that he would suddenly explode upon his return to Estadio da Luz – but that's exactly what he did, earning himself a new, improved contract with his fantastic performances in front of the Benfica back-line.

A buy-out clause of €120m (£103m/$131m) was inserted into that deal, and while it won't require quite so much money to persuade the Portuguese club to part company with Florentino, a sizable fee will undoubtedly be required. Benfica, as Liverpool know only too well, drive a very hard bargain…

Florentino certainly ticks a lot of boxes, though. He may not be particularly creative, but he's highly effective when it comes to both winning and distributing the ball. Whether Liverpool are really willing to pay top dollar for a player that has yet to be capped by Portugal remains to be seen, but the 23-year-old's potential is obvious.

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GettyJoao Palhinha (Fulham)

Liverpool have a tendency to target younger players in the transfer market, particularly when there's a need to spend big, but an exception could be made for Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international proved one of the signings of last season's Premier League, impressing all and sundry as newly-promoted Fulham finished 10th in the table.

Palhinha popped up with three goals, but what stood out was the way in which he dictated the play and implemented Marco Silva's footballing philosophy. He is, as Jurgen Klopp put it, Fulham's "connector", the man that linked the whole team together.

Liverpool's scouting department, who have followed Palhinha for some time now, firmly believe that he could perform a similar role at Anfield, but he won't come cheap. West Ham reportedly had a £45m ($57m) bid rejected several weeks – would Liverpool really be prepared to go much higher for a 28-year-old?

Considering how much his fellow Premier League defensive midfielders have gone for this transfer window, Fulham are hardly likely to shift in their sky-high valuation either.

An invigorated Younis Khan and a determined Azhar Ali took command of the second Test, putting on 250 for the third wicket, as Pakistan loped to 323 for 3 at stumps

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando06-May-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:12

Isam: Pakistan took full advantage of conditions

An invigorated Younis Khan and a determined Azhar Ali took command of the second Test, putting on 250 for the third wicket, as Pakistan loped to 323 for 3 at stumps. Azhar and Younis defused the early menace when they came together at 58 for 2, began to counterpunch in the second session and were bludgeoning Bangladesh around the Shere Bangla when Younis was dismissed for 148 off 195, with only five full overs to play in the day. Azhar stayed not out on 127, having ridden early luck.Seduced by an unusually dense covering of grass on the Mirpur surface, Mushfiqur Rahim was dealt a poor hand. He had already gambled by bowling first with only two seamers in the attack. Two balls into the match Shahadat Hossain – who had come into the side for the injured Rubel Hossain – hobbled off the field after taking a tumble during his delivery stride. Mushfiqur was forced to rely on part-time seamer Soumya Sarkar and a phalanx of spinners, who were defanged by a first-day pitch that offered only modest turn. That both centurions should have been out earlier if bowlers had not delivered no balls, added to Mushfiqur’s considerable stress.The seam movement Mushfiqur had anticipated played a role in Mohammad Hafeez’ dismissal, when Shahid set him up with lifter that jagged back in, then drew the edge with a straighter delivery. That dismissal had Pakistan at 9 for 1, but the injury to Shahadat prevented Bangladesh from pushing as hard as they could have in the first hour. With lunch in sight, they took their second wicket, when Sami Aslam ran at Taijul, and put him in the hands of deep midwicket.There was tug-and-pull in the first overs of the Azhar-Younis association, as Azhar overcame a series of close calls. Earlier in the morning, he was walking back to the dressing room after edging Mohammad Shahid to third slip, when replays showed the bowler had not landed his heel behind the popping crease. Reprieved on 18, Azhar gave further chances off spin at 34 and 35 to Mominul Haque at silly point and short leg. Both times the ball whizzed quickly between the fielder’s legs before he could get low enough.Younis deadbatted his way to 1 off 15 before lunch, but opened his shoulders in the second session, clearing his front leg to send the spinners over mid-on – once for six – before masterfully employing the sweep to raise the tempo further. By the fourth hour of the day, a pattern to his progress emerged. Every now and then, he’d interrupt the steady thrum of singles he and Azhar had worked up, to shuffle forward into a sweep. He’d watch for the overcorrection next ball then play off the back foot, often finding runs square on the off side. He reached 50 off 72 balls and by late-afternoon, his strike rate hovered around 75.Azhar meanwhile, sunk time into re-establishing himself at the crease after his early scares, and was only punishing bad balls for most of the day. Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam attempted a variety of plans, tempting Azhar outside off in the second session to lure another mistake. But Azhar gritted through this, while Younis gave the innings impetus at the other end.Younis was the first to his hundred after tea, but not before he too was called back to the crease, after presenting a catch to short cover. Soumya had overstepped to reprieve him on 78, and then Younis breezed through to the second new ball, reaching his 29th Test ton with a tow to deep cover to end a period of relative calm, before attacking again. A slog-swept six over deep midwicket off Shakib heralded the charge, which Azhar soon joined. His made his eighth trip to triple-figures by launching Taijul down the ground for four.With neither spinners nor seamers able to glean much from the old ball, Mushfiqur threw his part-timers at Pakistan, who were only too glad to face them. By the 80th over, Pakistan’s run rate had ticked above 3.5.Shahid broke the stand with the second new ball, when he had Younis slicing to backward point, two runs short of his 150. Misbah-ul-Haq announced himself at the crease with a six over long-on off the second ball he faced, but otherwise he and Azhar were content to hunker down till stumps.