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29 March 2024

Pakistan builds first innings lead over Lanka

Azhar Ali, the centurion (AFP File Photo)

Published
By AP
Azhar Ali scored his maiden test century on Thursday to push Pakistan into a position of strength against Sri Lanka on the second day of the second test at Dubai International Stadium.
After starting the day on 42-0, Pakistan reached 281-4 at the close to lead by 42 in response to Sri Lanka's 239.
 
The 26-year-old Ali was well supported by veterans Younus Khan (55) and Misbah-ul-Haq (40 not out) after Pakistan lost both openers in the morning session and were uncertain at 64-2.
 
Ali shared a third wicket partnership of 117 with Younus and followed that with a stand of 94 with his captain Misbah.
 
Ali was dismissed just before the close after cracking nine fours off 242 balls. The right-hander, who also reached the landmark of 1,000 runs in his 15th test, was at the crease for 5 hours, 23 minutes.
 
Paceman Dhammika Prasad (2-73) gave Sri Lanka early breakthroughs before the Pakistan middle order dominated. Skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan claimed 2-48 with his part-time off-spin.
 
Sri Lanka enjoyed the first session, overcoming some faulty catching to dismiss both openers and stifle the run rate.
 
The breakthrough should have arrived earlier but Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar were dropped off consecutive deliveries from the impressive Suranga Lakmal, who was unlucky to end the day without a wicket.
 
Hafeez was let off when 25, spooning to extra cover where Dilshan could not cling on to a very difficult chance over his head. Next ball, Taufeeq, then 24, edged to second slip where Mahela Jayawardene dropped a sitter.
 
Sri Lanka did not let their heads drop and Prasad provided the inspiration with the wickets of both players soon afterward. Taufeeq eventually edged a drive and was gobbled up by debutant wicketkeeper Kaushal Silva low down. The left-hander scored 27 off 75 balls.
 
In Prasad's next over, he claimed Hafeez to a leg before decision from umpire Tony Hill. Hafeez hit four boundaries in compiling 33 off 63 balls.
 
Azhar and Younus saw their side to lunch at 95-2 and pushed Pakistan into the ascendancy in the second session. Younus survived a difficult stumping chance when 14 but blossomed to play some fine strokes.
 
Azhar got to his 50 first, sweeping Herath fine for his sixth boundary. Younus was more emphatic in reaching his landmark, launching Dilshan over the midwicket ropes for six.
 
But Dilshan provided the breakthrough just before tea when Younus dragged on as he tried to cut a big turning off-break. Younus struck two fours and a six off 103 deliveries and went past Salim Malik into fourth on the all-time Pakistan runscorers list during his knock.
 
Ali found another sound partner in Misbah after the break and they put on a stand of 94.
 
Azhar progressed confidently until he endured a bout of nerves as he closed in on three figures. He got into the 90s with a flying edge over second slip and had some anxious moments as he crept toward his milestone.
 
The magical moment finally came when the Lahore right-hander got a fine tickle on a sweep and scampered two, celebrating his achievement by holding both arms aloft before sinking to his knees to give prayer.
 
But Ali didn't add as Dilshan claimed him to a questionable lbw decision just before close as he swept again. TV replays indicated Ali got a big edge on the delivery.
 
Misbah, who struck two fours and a six off 108 balls, and nightwatchman Saeed Ajmal (five  not out) survived to stumps.