The future looks bright for Pakistan with Taufeeq and Farhat up top

Taufeeq Umar and Imran Farhat believe they can become one of Pakistan's all-time great opening partners.

The left-handers scored their third successive century stand together against South Africa in the second Test.

Pakistan have searched hard for a dependable opening pair since the days of Aamir Sohail and Saeed Anwar.

"We feel we are confident and capable enough of resolving this problem and being around a while," Taufeeq said.

Taufeeq and Umar added a stand of 137 in the first innings in Faisalabad to their first-Test efforts of 109 and 134.

STATEMENT OF INTENT I want to make a permanent place in the team and hope this series would go a long way in resurrecting my career Imran Farhat

Taufeeq has scored two hundreds and three fifties in four Tests against South Africa.

After reaching 123 not out - his maiden Test hundred - Farhat said he and his partner wanted to emulate the feats of Sohail and Anwar.

"They were the best opening pair to play for Pakistan and we are inspired to emulate them," he said.

"We can make this slot our own."

Since the retirement of Sohail in 2000, Taufeeq has had eight different opening partners in 17 Tests.

Farhat, who was recalled to the team for the current series after one year on the sidelines, said playing against Australia in 2002 had helped him.

"Last year when I played against them in Sharjah against McGrath and Shane Warne, I realised to survive in international cricket I needed to change my attitude and adjust my technique accordingly," he explained.

"After that series I became more serious about my batting and have cut out the risky shots.

"I try to concentrate harder now and keep a value on my wicket. I did that today."