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Captain's Knock Dominates India

Wednesday, April 7 2004

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq led Pakistan into a commanding position after Day 2 of play against India with an unbeaten hundred following the efforts of opener Imran Farhat.

Following Day 1 Pakistan had completed a full turnaround. Humbled and embarrassed in the first Test new recruit Umar Gul snared 5/31 to dismiss India for under 300.

They lost only Taufeeq Umar late on the opening day - allowing for a strong platform early on day 2.

Yasir Hameed was lost relatively early on to Ajit Agarkar as spirited opener Imran Farhat charged towards another Test fifty. Agarkar's sole breakthrough of the day was one of only 2 for the Indian side.

Farhat found more then competent support in his skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq who adopted his successful combination of discipline and patience - something that was lacking in large quantities in Multan.

The Indian bowlers continued to toil as the pair added as the partnership clicked over 100 with Farhat in sight of his own personal landmark. Making difficult work of the nervous nineties the 21-year-old eventually fell over the line for his second Test ton - before being removed by Lakshmipathy Balaji.

For Balaji his second wicket meant his best Test bowling analysis following an uninspiring career record to date - 2/63.

Vice-captain Yousuf Youhana then joined Inzamam at the crease as the Pakistani's continued to frustrate an increasingly desperate India.

With a number of contentious LBW and caught behind calls turned down the Indians toiled admirably. This is no longer at team that falls apart.

In the later hours of the day Inzamam completed another Test hundred - his 19th. In stodgy support, Youhana completed his 21st Test fifty to add to his hundred in the previous match despite the best efforts of an attack ably led by Irfan Pathan.

Progress Score: Stumps Day 2

India 287 (Yuvraj Singh 112, Irfan Pathan 49; Umar Gul 5/31)

Pakistan 3/355 (Inzamam-ul-Haq 118*, I Farhat 101, Y Youhana 62*; L Balaji 2/63)

Posted by Andre