Pakistan build solid foundation
Sean Bennett |The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies at Multan began well for the hosts, as Imran Farhat, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf all compiled half-centuries as Pakistan look to make the series safe after winning the first Test.
Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss and chose to bat and his opening batsmen set a positive tone from the start, taking 14 off Jerome Taylor’s first 3 overs. Meanwhile, the ever reliable Corey Collymore instantly settled into rhythm at the other end, bowling 4 consecutive maidens. It has become a familiar pattern when West Indies bowl. Today was no exception. While Colleymore was immaculate as usual, the other bowlers failed to back him up as a whole.
Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez continued putting together a steady opening partnership, reaching 83 before Hafeez got out attempting to cut Taylor, only managing to edge the ball to Dinesh Ramdin behind the stumps. It was a disappointing end for Hafeez, who had looked comfortable in reaching 36 and really should have got more.
It was Younis Khan’s turn to cash in on the tourists bowling, though. He partnered Farhat past the 100 mark for Pakistan and into lunch. However, Bravo and Collymore applied some pressure after the break and Bravo succeeded in tempting Farhat (74) into edging to Lara.
Younis was joined by Yousuf. The pair continued to score steadily. Neither could build on their innings and go on to reach 100. Both fell just after passing 50. Younis for 56, caught in the gully off Taylor. Yousuf had just two balls earlier smashed Dave Mohammed for six over long off to take himself to 42. His innings consisted of only 15 more runs and ended when he lazily drove Chris Gayle to Lara at midwicket.
That wicket left the hosts at 250-4. Captain Inzamam (30 not out) and Shoaib Malik guided the hosts to 263 at stumps, a good springboard to amass a decent total tomorrow and then put pressure on the tourists batsmen.
Pakistan 263-4
Imran Farhat 74, Mohammad Yousuf 57, Younis Khan 56
Jerome Taylor 2-61, Dwayne Bravo 1-30
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