Younis, Akmal prosper as test heads for draw

FAISALABAD, Tuesday (Reuters) Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal scored unbeaten half centuries to take Pakistan to 152 for one and put the second test against India on the path to a draw with one day remaining on Tuesday.

After conceding a slender first innings lead of 15 runs, Pakistan ended the fourth day 137 runs ahead of India, who were bowled out for 603 in reply to Pakistan's first innings 588 half an hour after lunch. The Lahore test, the first of the three-match series, also ended in a draw.

Younis, who scored 83 in the first innings, hit 10 fours in his 64 while wicketkeeper Akmal's 59 included nine fours.

The two put on 100 runs for the second wicket after India picked up opener Salman Butt (24) when leg spinner Anil Kumble induced him to play straight to Sachin Tendulkar at mid-wicket.

India resumed on 441 for five and Irfan Pathan progressed from his overnight 49 to his third test 50 in the very first over of the day.

He and Mahendra Dhoni, who had come in with India struggling at 281 for five, eventually put on 210 runs for the sixth wicket.

Dhoni was stumped on 148 by Akmal after missing a leg spinner from Danish Kaneria and two overs later, Pathan was out trapped in front by Abdul Razzaq.

The 22-year-old fell 10 runs short of his maiden century after hitting nine fours and two sixes in his highest test score. Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh made 38 from 48 balls with five fours and two sixes before he was trapped leg before by Shahid Afridi for 38.

Afridi also picked up last man Pratap Singh, taking a athletic catch off his own bowling to end the innings.

Pakistan's Butt and Akmal made a swift start on a pitch which still had nothing in it for the pace bowlers and wicketkeeper Akmal hit debutant Pratap Singh for three stinging fours in one over. Butt survived a close leg before appeal by Pathan and a dropped catch by Laxman off the same bowler and went on to make 24 from 37 balls with five fours before Tendulkar caught him.