Dubai: Middle order batsman Azhar Ali finally got a maiden Test century as Pakistan made 281 for four and a took a lead of 42 at stumps on on the second day of the second Test at Dubai cricket Stadium here on Thursday.
Pakistan started the day on 42 without loss, with openers Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar happy to defend for the early stages of the morning session.
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.
Dhamika 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.
The pair put on 117 for the third wicket to take Pakistan to 182-3 in their first innings by tea on the second day, needing just 57 runs to overhaul Sri Lanka’s 239 in their first knock with seven wickets intact.
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