Left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman refused to accept Pakistan's success over world number one England was a big surprise, insisting the team achieved the 2-0 lead through sheer hard work.

Rehman starred in his team's 72-run win in the second Test in Abu Dhabi by claiming a career-best six for 25 to bundle England out for 72 in the second innings - their lowest score in all Tests against Pakistan.

That gave Pakistan an unassailable two-nil lead in the three-Test series, with the last match in Dubai starting on Friday. Pakistan won the first Test by 10 wickets, also played in Dubai.

"No, its not surprising. We have won because we have worked really hard before the series and in the two Test matches," said the 31-year-old Rehman.

"We had no idea that it would finish in three or four days, but since the team did well and the pitches helped us so we won."

Rehman said he has received great support from Ajmal, who took 10 wickets, including a career-best seven for 55, in the first Test.

"We have nothing like that he will get wicket and I will be left out, we support each other so much that there comes nothing in our heart. We always think that anyone gets wickets it should be helpful for the team," he added.

Ajmal and Rehman's performances have seen them climb in the ICC rankings for Test bowlers. Ajmal is second, while Rehman has jumped to ninth - the first time in 23 years that two Pakistan spinners are in the top 10.

"It's good, a very good feeling and now I am in top 10 and it is after a long time that two Pakistani spinners have come in the rankings, so I am happy that I am among those bowlers who are world's best," enthused Rehman.