Yousuf on top again

Mohammad Yousuf continued to plunder the West Indies as he has done to Test bowling attacks all year, striking a massive 192 as Pakistan took control of the first Test at Lahore. Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal also struck half-centuries as Pakistan built a huge first-innings lead of 279.

With the West Indies having been bowled out for a mere 206 in their first innings on a difficult track, Pakistan were in a position to seize control of the game early on. Despite the loss of two early wickets, including that of Malik for a well-made 69, Pakistan motored through the day. They were led by the majestic Yousuf, with Akmal’s racy 78 providing excellent support.

Yousuf carried on from where he left off on day 2, striking the ball cleanly and elegantly on both sides of the wicket. None of the West Indian bowlers bar Corey Collymore were able to trouble him, and Collymore did not find sufficient luck to dismiss him, having a catch dropped at second slip.

Chris Gayle’s part-time spinners finally ended Yousuf’s resistance, just when it looked like he was going to notch up another double century to add to his list. Akmal was in fine touch, spraying boundaries all over the place, whilst the last-wicket pai of Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria provided some resistance too. A total of 485 was sure to pose a serious challenge for the tourists.

The West Indies’ second innings began inauspiciously, with both Gayle and Daren Ganga falling early. Ramnaresh Sarwan provided some food for thought for the bowlers before succumbing to Umar Gul’s inswinger. Brian Lara and nightwatchman Fidel Edwards were left not out overnight, with the tourists set for an uphill struggle to save the Test match.

Pakistan 485 (146 overs)
Mohammad Yousuf 192, Kamran Akmal 78, Shoaib Malik 69; Jerome Taylor 4-115

West Indies 74-3 (21 overs)
Brian Lara 28 not out; Umar Gul 2-39

Cricket Web Player of the Day – Mohammad Yousuf, 192 (330 balls, 24×4, 1×6)