ABU DHABI: Pakistan set a mammoth 603-run target for Australia to win the second Test and save the series after declaring their second innings on 293-3 on the fourth day in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

That put Pakistan well on course for a 2-0 series win after winning the first Test by 221 runs. Pakistan have not beaten Australia in a series since their 1-0 win at home in 1994.

Azhar Ali scored 100 not out while Misbah-ul Haq was unbeaten on 101, setting a new world record for the fastest Test half-century off just 21 balls and equalling the fastest century record of 56 balls.

Misbah, who was derided for his slow scoring rate, not only scored the fastest half century in terms of deliveries but also in terms of time spent on the crease. The national team captain hit four sixes and an equal number of boundaries to reach his fifty.

The previous record for fastest half-century was held by South Africa's Jacques Kallis, scored off 24 balls against Zimbabwe at Cape Town in 2004, whereas Bangladesh's Mohammad Ashraful held the record for the fastest fifty in 27 minutes against India in 2007.

Pakistan had a 309-run lead going into their second innings after scoring 570-6 declared in their first innings and in reply dismissed Australia for 261 but Misbah did not opt to enforce a follow-on.

Earlier during the day Australian spinner Steven Smith claimed the wicket of Younis Khan who was plum leg before wicket. Khan had scored 46 runs off 122 balls.

During the first innings of the match Younis Khan had scored a double century to take Pakistan to 570-6(dec) while also equaling a 90-year record of scoring three back to back centuries against the Australians.

Pakistan won the first Test in Dubai and lead the two-match series 1-0. The green shirts are seeking their first series win over Australia for 20 years.