Younis Khan started from where he ended the opening day and struck a brilliant double-century on the second day of the Abu Dhabi Test against Australia. Pakistan declared their first innings on 570 for six and left a daunting task for Australia to save the match – leave alone winning it.
Despite losing Azhar Ali (109) early in the first session, when he was caught by David Warner off Mitchell Starc, Pakistan continued demolishing the Australian pace attack throughout the day. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was the third batsmen to touch the triple figures mark to silence his critics.
Misbah (101) and Younis (213) joined forces and made a 181-run partnership for the fourth wicket and took the game away from the Kangaroos. Australia did take quick wickets at the end but it proved too late as the game was drifted away from them.
The Pakistan team is currently leading the two-match Test series 1-0 and sighting a first series win over Australia in 20 years. After posting a mammoth total in the first innings a cleansweep is also on the cards and the Australians will have to play out of their skins to save the blushes.
“Obviously when you score runs and contribute a lot in the game you want the team to win comprehensively so I have a desire that we manage to pull a whitewash,” Younis said. “But it isn’t easy for us, we still have to put the hard work in as despite the fact we have good spinners Australia have been in such situations more than once and it’s a familiar case for them.”
Batting for a brief period, Australia lost opener Chris Rogers (5), when he was caught by Sarfraz Ahmed off Imran Khan. David Warner (16 not out) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (1 not out) are on the crease, with 22 runs of the board.
With the pitch expected to assist the spinners, it will be a mountain to climb for the Australians to save the match, seeing how they surrendered the first Test.
“It was a pretty uncompromising wicket and we knew it was going to be that way for whoever lost the toss,” Haddin said. “It’s going to be a real test for us now to have our opportunity on this wicket and make sure if we get in that we’re selfish and go really big.”
Where to Watch Practice Match Live Scores
The Day 3 of the second Test match between Pakistan and Australia is schedule for a 06:00 GMT, 10:00 local and 11:30 IST start. Viewers can catch the live updates of the match on ESPN Cricinfo, PCB and ICC.
