Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan stabilized Pakistan – 1st Test vs. Sri Lanka

Jan 1, 2014

—

by

Pakistan 4-327(Younis Khan 136, Misbah-ul-Haq 105*, Shaminda Eranga 2-63) leads Sri Lanka 204 (Angelo Mathews 91, Dimuth Karunaratne 38, Junaid Khan 5-58, Bilawal Bhatti 3-65) by 123 runs with six wickets in hand.

The most experienced batting duo of Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq along with Younis Khan blasted tons and put their side on top against Sri Lanka in the 1^st Test.

The first innings of the Lankan Lions was squeezed for 204 in 65 overs and the hosts hammered 327 runs for the loss of just four wickets after 109 overs.

The second day’s play of the first Test came to an end on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Earlier, the home side commenced their first innings at 1-46 in 18.1 overs as Mohammad Hafeez joined in with Ahmed Shehzad who was unbeaten for 25. The first was gone at 59 for 11 and the latter followed him 24 runs later for 38. Younis Khan and the Pakistani skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq, associated in the center in a crunchy situation. The run rate was kept under check by the rival bowlers but the batsmen were taking no risk and went past the 150 runs mark in the 53^rd over.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan - Centurions in the first innings — Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan – Centurions in the first innings

Younis Khan earned his 28^th Test fifty six overs later whereas Misbah-ul-Haq reached his 23^rd one in the 60^th one. The captain of the Islanders, Angelo Mathews, used his all bowling options to dislodge the partnership but remained unsuccessful. Younis Khan was the most aggressive of the two and smashed his 23^rd Test hundred with a four. Misbah-ul-Haq kept on creeping and scored 74 when tea break was taken at 3-251 in 79 overs.

The fourth wicket partnership was finally separated after the addition of 218 runs when Younis Khan was clean bowled by Shaminda Eranga for 136. Asad Shafiq walked in next while Misbah-ul-Haq registered his 5^th Test hundred in the 106^th over. He remained unbeaten for 105, Asad Shafiq was at the other side at 12 as the home side piled up 4-327 runs.

Shaminda Eranga was the most successful bowler with two wickets and Suranga Lakmal held one.

Pakistan has gained a valuable lead of 123 runs in the first innings with six wickets remaining and they are at the driving seat at the moment.