Younis happy to leave Test even | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Younis happy to leave Test even

PTI | ByN Ananthanarayanan (Reuters), Kolkata
Mar 18, 2005 11:29 AM IST

"Whether we will be in a position to exert pressure on India will depend on how we play tomorrow," said the Pakistani vice-captain.

Pakistani vice-captain Younis Khan believes the second Test against India was evenly poised with three days left after the visitors ended Thursday on 273 for two.

HT Image
HT Image

Pakistan are 134 runs behind India's first innings total of 407 all out after Younis and Yousuf Youhana smashed unbeaten hundreds to get their team back in contention at Eden Gardens.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"Now the match is 50:50," Younis said.

"Whether we will be in a position to exert pressure on India will depend on how we play tomorrow.

"If we can play till tea and get a lead of 150-200, then India will be under pressure."

Younis was batting on 108 and Youhana was on 101 as they shared a 203-run unbroken third wicket partnership to dominate the Indian bowling on a slow pitch.

The duo showed excellent understanding in running between the wickets in sapping humidity.

"The target was to maintain 3-4 runs an over," Younis said.

Youhana added: "We just tried to hang in there. We knew if we could spend time there, runs would come."

It was Youhana's 13th Test hundred and the seventh for his team-mate.

Their effort was a big boost for Pakistan after young wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal hit his maiden Test hundred to help secure a draw in the first Test in Mohali.

Younis, 27, had been under pressure after making just one fifty in six innings during the 3-0 series rout in Australia and failing to reach double figures in both innings in Mohali.

He admitted to some pressure after Mohali, where he also dropped two catches at slip, one of them opener Virender Sehwag who top-scored with 173.

"I went in with a positive frame of mind," Younis told reporters. "I decided to go and enjoy my cricket and I was successful."

"The boys backed me, (captain) Inzamam (ul-Haq) backed me publicly," Younis said.

"He made me knock for two hours two days before the Test."

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On