Irfan Pathan [Images] displayed his batting prowess in scoring an invaluable 68 in Middlesex's first innings against Surrey in a Division One match of the English County Championship at Lord's on Thursday.

The Indian's 93-ball knock, that included 11 boundaries, and his 98-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Scott (64 not out) guided the side to an imposing 437 against Surrey, for whom off-spinner Harbhajan Singh [Images] took two wickets.

Pathan fell prey to his compatriot's off-spin when he failed to read a delivery and was castled.

Harbhajan's was a marathon bowling spell as he bowled 35 overs in the innings taking two wickets -- the other being highest scorer Jamie Dalrymple (77) -- giving away 87 runs.