Younus And Azhar Drive Pakistan Clear

Younus And Azhar Drive Pakistan Clear

Younus Khan hits out during his century against England in Dubai

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan 99 & 222-2 (Younus Khan 115no) v
England 141 (Strauss 56, Abdur Rehman 5-40)
Third Test, Dubai, day two
Scorecard | Day One

Younus Khan stroked a fluent unbeaten century and Azhar Ali made 75 not out to put Pakistan 180 runs ahead of England on day two of the third and final Test in Dubai.

After being bowled out for 99 on the opening day, Pakistan dismissed England for 141 in reply as Abdur Rehman returned five for 40 before closing on 222 for two.

Six wickets fell in the opening session - in keeping with the character of the match so far after 16 fell on day one - but thereafter Younus and Azhar prevailed.

England resumed on 104 for six and lost James Anderson (4), Stuart Broad (4), Andrew Strauss (56) and Graeme Swann (16) to gain a slender lead.

Rehman dismissed Anderson and Strauss to return his second five-wicket haul in as many matches while Saeed Ajmal trapped Broad in front and had Broad caught by Rehman to return three for 59.

England struck quickly and Anderson had Taufeeq Umar caught by Strauss for six and Monty Panesar trapped Mohammad Hafeez in front for 21 before Pakistan were ahead.

However, from then until stumps they were unable to force another breakthrough as Younus, who closed on 115 not out in 195 balls, and Azhar, who faced 246 deliveries, held firm.

Younus stroked 11 fours and a six while Azhar played patiently, hitting three fours and one maximum.

The pair added an unbroken stand worth 194 before stumps.

Pakistan lead the series 2-0 after wins by ten wickets and 72 runs in the first two matches.

© Cricket World 2012