Younis Khan keeps India at bay in drawn Kolkata Test
Tuesday 4 December 2007

Kolkata, Dec.4 (ANI): A belligerent, yet watchful century by stand-in skipper Younis Khan ensured a draw between Pakistan and India on the fifth and final day of the second Test played at the Eden Gardens here. 

Chasing 345 for a possible win, Pakistan was initially pegged back by India's bowlers, and were at one time precariously placed at 78 for four. With defeat staring them in the face, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf staged a remarkable rearguard fightback that left hosts India rueing the possibility of not having declared earlier. 

Younis, standing in as captain for the injured Shoaib Malik, hit his 15th Test hundred and fifth against India. Mohammad Yousuf scored an unbeaten 44 with six boundaries. The pair added 136 for the fifth wicket, and returned unconquered to the pavilion to the applause of the their teammates and their rivals. 

Both captains -- Anil Kumble and Younis Khan called it a day at 214 for 4 with half an hour of play left.  

India were disappointingly lethargic, except for brief periods in the afternoon or when Anil Kumble was involved. Kumble had brought the game alive in the afternoon, with two wickets. But as the two Y's came together with another century partnership - their ninth - even Kumble's tenacity wasn't enough.  

Yousuf helped himself back into some form. By tea, he was set and after it, was rarely hassled, choosing occasionally to stroke a cover drive, but opting generally to pat balls back.  

The two teams now travel to Bangalore for the third and final Test of the series. (ANI) -AJ