Second Test, Day 1: Ton up Younis takes Pakistan to 304/4 at stumps

Younis 1
Pakistan’s Younis Khan after his brilliant century against West Indies. Image Source: ICC

Internet Desk: Veteran batsman Younis Khan hit a brilliant ton and captain Misbah-ul-Haq  remained unbeaten on 90 to guide Pakistan to 304-4 at the end of the opening day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Younis got out after a brilliant knock of 127 and the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq(90*) remained not out after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a batting-friendly pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Younis was lucky not to be dismissed in the last over before tea as part-timer spinner Kraigg Brathwaite dropped a straightforward catch off his own bowling when the batsman was on 83.

Younis, who missed the first Test as he recovered from dengue fever, has so far hit seven boundaries and one six after reaching his 31st half-century shortly after lunch.

Misbah equalled Imran Khan’s record of most Test matches as Pakistan captain with 48 with his appearance in Abu Dhabi.

Younis had added 87 for the third wicket with Shafiq (68) after Pakistan lost openers Azhar Ali (nought) and Sami Aslam (six) in the first hour.

Shafiq batted well in the extended two-and-a-half hour first session due to Friday prayers, hitting seven boundaries before playing on to paceman Shannon Gabriel.

The normal red ball and daylight cricket returned in Abu Dhabi after the first Test was a day-night affair with the pink ball in Dubai, as Pakistan fought back from a poor start.

Ali, who scored a career best 302 not out in Dubai, played on to Gabriel in the fifth over before Aslam was bowled by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo attempting an ambitious drive.

Pakistan, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Dubai by 56 runs, brought in Younis, Zulfiqar Babar and Rahat Ali as they made three changes to their line-up. Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir (both rested) and Babar Azam were the trio to make way.

West Indies were forced to leave out unfit wicket-keeper batsman Shane Dowrich, bringing in Shai Hope.

The third and final Test starts in Sharjah from October 30.

 

Brief Scores: Pakistan 304/4, Yuonis Khan 127, Misbah-ui-Haq(c) 90*, Asad Shafiq 68, Shanon Gabriel 2/43