Yousuf (112) helps Pakistan take a 50 run lead
Chris Dhambarage reporting from Galle
Mohammed Yousuf signalled his re-entry into official fold with a
magnificent century as the touring Pakistan team took a crucial first
innings lead over Sri Lanka on day two of the opening Test match which
continued at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.
The 34 year old right hand middle order batsman from Lahore rose to
the occasion in his very first appearance after his short stint with the
rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) by hammering a solid knock of 112
before Nuwan Kulasekera bounced back into recognition with a four wicket
burst.
Even then the manner in which Mohammed Yousuf turned the game in
Pakistan’s favour was quite remarkable having started his innings at a
most crucial stage of the game. He walked into the middle in the seventh
over of the day after night watchman Abdur Rauf made his exit following
a useful contribution of 31 runs inclusive of four boundaries.
This wicket certainly brought the home side back into the game and
when they dismissed the Pakistan skipper Younis Khan shortly before
lunch for 25, Sri Lanka had done all the hard work to grab the honours
during the first session.
Sri Lanka were looking to snatch a first innings lead from there
onwards but they were in for a nasty surprise during the second session
as Mohammed Yousuf and Misbah ul Haq joined together to produce a
tremendous batting performance.
Their century partnership for the fifth wicket completely changed the
complexion of the game as Sri Lanka tried all their tactics to stage a
comeback in sheer desperation. They were somewhat unfortunate as a
couple decisions went against them from the bowling of Ajantha Mendis
and Rangana Herath who was in fact introduced into the attack in the 47
over of the innings.
Nevertheless the two Pakistan batsmen put their heads down to play an
important role that ensured them of a good first innings lead. Mohammed
Yousuf led the way with a painstaking innings where he occupied the
crease for a marathon four and a half hours at the crease.
He battled with a great amount of courage and determination against
the Sri Lankan pace spin attack to compile a superb 112 from 186
deliveries inclusive of ten boundaries. His contribution had a great
amount of significance as this was the first time he had reached the
three figure mark since November 2006.
He received excellent support from Misbah ul Haq with the pair
putting on 139 runs for the fifth wicket from 235 deliveries. Misbah ul
Haq played his role quite effectively and his half century contained
nine boundaries.
Sri Lanka’s decision to take the new ball immediately after the
completion of the 80 overs certainly brought the desired results with
Nuwan Kulasekera striking a couple of vital blows to restrict the
Pakistan batting to 342.
Sri Lanka
1st innings: 292 (T. Paranavitana 72, A. Mathews 42, N. Kulasekera 38, Mohammad Aamer 3-74, Abdur Rauf 2-59)
PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS (overnight 15-2)
Khurram Manzoor lbw b Thushara. 2
Salman Butt b Kulasekera 0
Younus Khan c Dilshan b Mathews 25
Abdur Rauf c Dilshan b Kulasekera 31
Mohammad Yousuf run out 112
Misbah-ul Haq c Jayawardene b Herath 56
Shoaib Malik b Kulasekera 38
Kamran Akmal run ou 31
Umar Gul b Kulasekera 7
Mohammad Aamer c Paranavitana b Thushara 4
Saeed Ajmal not out 1
Extras: (b12, lb15, nb7, w1) 35
Total (94 overs) 342
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Butt), 2-5 (Manzoor), 3-55 (Rauf), 4-80 (Younus),
5-219 (Misbah), 6-294 (Yousuf), 7-303 (Malik), 8-329 (Gul), 9-339 (Akmal), 10-342 (Aamer).
Bowling: Kulasekera 24-3-71-4, Thushara 21-3-77-2 (nb3), Mendis 25-2-89-0 (nb4), Mathews 8-2-26-1 (w1), Herath 16-2-52-1
SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS:
R. Herath not out 0
M. Warnapura not out 0
Total (no loss) 0
Bowling: Aamer 1-1-0-0 |
