Pakistan Get Back Into Test

At the beginning of the fourth day of the second Test in Multan, few people would have backed Pakistan to get back into the test, yet Imran Farhat, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan refused to give in and all hit half-centuries to make a draw the most likely outcome of the match.

The day began with Brian Lara bringing up his double-century and the West Indies ending up with a score of 591 for their first innings, 234 runs ahead of Pakistan’s first innings total. Lara went for 216 to leg-spinner Danish Kaneria having lofted up a catch, and Jerome Taylor and Daren Powell followed him to the pavilion shortly afterwards, concluding the innings of the West Indies.

Pakistan’s second innings didn’t begin well: Mohammad Hafeez, having made a slow 18, was caught behind off Taylor’s bowling. His fall was less than ideal for the struggling Pakistan, but it brought the exciting Younis Khan to the crease.

The runs didn’t immediately flood for the number three like they had against England, but Khan began to accumulate through some nudges, before crafting some boundaries through the spinners. He got out to Dave Mohammad on 56, but his contribution and century partnership with Imran Farhat had boosted Pakistan immensely.

Farhat’s steady, unbeaten knock of 70 was at a far from lightening pace – the runs were achieved off 198 balls – but his not out status at play’s close is vital for Pakistan. The home side will hope he continues to score a century tomorrow and secure a draw.

Mohammad Yousuf was with Farhat on 56 at stumps. His more aggressive innings was tinted with a flurry of boundaries early on, especially off Mohammad’s bowling. However, as the end of play neared, he slowed, like Farhat, and ensured his position at the crease at resumption of play tomorrow.

With the day dominated by batting, there was little to shout about for the bowlers, and it will take a very special performance by either team to win the match tomorrow, although the West Indies still hold the upper hand. But not by as much.

Pakistan 357 all out (124 overs)
Imran Farhat 74, Younis Khan 56, Mohammad Yousuf 56
Jerome Taylor 5-91

West Indies 591 all out (167 overs)
Brian Lara 216, Chris Gayle 92
Danish Kaneria 5-181, Abdul Razzaq 2-65

Pakistan 213-2 (66 overs)
Imran Farhat 70*, Mohammad Yousuf 56*