Indian fast bowler Irfan Pathan made his highest first class score of 68, and consolidated his position as an all-rounder for Middlesex, before being bowled by his Surrey opponent Harbhajan Singh Thursday.

"It's a good feeling (to score the highest first class score)," the Baroda pacer told IANS.

Pathan's innings took the Middlesex score to 380 for eight, after the side was tottering at 148 for five Wednesday.

Pathan hit 11 boundaries in his 93-ball knock at Lord's - mostly drives on the off-side that were compared to Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly's famous off-side strokes.

His knock included a partnership of 47 with top-scorer Jamie Dalrymple (77), before digging his heels in with wicketkeeper batsman Ben Scott. Both Scott and Pathan scored freely against a Surrey attack that was unable to extract either swing or turn on a warm, sunny day.

Pathan, who survived some hairy moments against Surrey seamers Wednesday night, played with a mixture of aggression and caution Thursday, showing particularly good technique against the short ball, before suddenly losing his head - and his wicket.

Harbhajan was brought on late in the morning session by Surrey skipper Mark Ramprakash, after the seamers had gone wicketless. In the off-spinner's very first over, Pathan greeted the second ball with a mighty heave to the long on boundary that fetched him a four.

His downfall came when he went for an uncharacteristic charge-and-slog in Harbhajan's second over - only to be deceived by a slow ball.

"I played across the line, but that's how I play spinners," said Irfan, cheekily.

Although it lasted for only two overs, the contest between the two Indian teammates was the highlight of the match - much anticipated and enjoyed by commentators, including former test players Michael Holding and Nasser Hussain.

Harbhajan, making a comeback after a six-week layoff from cricket, was still looking to find his form, but both Indians had the advantage of knowing the other's game. On this occasion the honours were even: Harbhajan won the battle - and Pathan won the accolades for his delightful knock.