Younis ton guides Pakistan to reach 219-4 first day

DUBAI: Veteran batsman Younis Khan scored a magnificent century to help Pakistan reach 219 for four at stumps on first day of the first Test here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

After their captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat fist on an easy wicket, Pakistan made a disastrous start losing both openers Ahmed Shahzad (3) and Mohammad Hafeez (nought) for only seven runs on the board.

However, Azhar Ali and Younis came to rescue and with a slow but resolute batting took their team out of trouble. They added 108 runs for the third wicket partnership.

Pakistan made just 50 runs for two wickets in the first session and later added 75 runs for the loss of Azhar in the second session reaching 125-3 at tea. Azhar made 53.

Later, Younis with Misbah made 83 runs for the fourth wicket before leaving the crease but not before completing his first Test hundred against Australia and the 25th of his career. He made 106 with ten fours and a six.

Thus he equaled the Pakistan record of Inzamam-ul-Haq for scoring the most Test hundreds and also became the 12th batsman in the world to make at least a century against each Test playing country.

Misbah (34) and Asad Shafiq (9) were batting on 34 and nine, respectively when the first day’s play ended.