Gayle and Ganga puts Windies in command

CRICKET: Chris Gayle and Daren Ganga forged an undefeated opening stand of 151 for the West Indies to cap a miserable day for Pakistan on day two of the second test on Monday.

Gayle (87) and Ganga (59) posted the first century opening stand for the West Indies in 20 tests in Pakistan after the homeside were bowled out for 357 with paceman Jerome Taylor taking five for 91.

Taylor's second five-wicket haul was bagged with Pakistan losing their last six wickets for 94 runs to the second new ball after resuming on 263 for four in the morning.

Gayle and Ganga, who played out the last two sessions, put their team in a rare position of strength with patient half centuries as the bowlers struggled on a flat track.

Gayle scored his 26th half century from 101 balls with seven fours and Ganga his eighth from 123 balls with nine fours.

Gayle, despite displaying admirable patience, still played some spankimg shots as he closed in on his first century since April, 2005 when he made 317 against South Africa in Antigua.

It was the fifth time the two have posted a century opening partnership.

Left hander Gayle greeted off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez with a huge six to mid wicket and two fours in his first over.

Gayle also picked runs off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria driving him with ease through the covers.