Pakistan leading on Taufeeq double-century

Sri Lanka 47 for 1 and 197 follow Pakistan 511 for 6 dec (Taufeeq 236, Hafeez 75, Azhar 70) by 267 runs


Taufeeq has broken a double hundred to guide Pakistan into a leading position in the first Test next to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.

Taufeeq bat for almost 12 hours across three days in roasting warm in making 236 as Pakistan confirmed an hour before the close on the third day on 511 for six.

The 30-year-old's vigil finally broken shortly before the statement came, run out by a mixture of Kumar Sangakkara and Prasanna Jayawardene after partner Asad Shafiq unexpectedly refused a single.

His knock saw him become the first Pakistan opener to get to 200 since Aamer Sohail next to England at Old Trafford in 1992.

It was one longer day of toil for the Sri Lankans though they fixed to their task in spite of being hindered by a docile pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan, who is playing this home series in the Middle East due to protection concern at home, undergo an early blow when Azhar Ali departed for 70 in the seventh over of the day, failing to put off a Chanaka Welegedara inswinger from career between bat and pad.

Younus Khan connected Taufeeq and fakes his partner's alert style; accumulate 33 from 94 deliveries before playing crossways the line to Welegedara and being adjudge out lbw.

The innings necessary some momentum and it was provide by Misbah-ul-Haq, who played a captain's knock.

Clearly keen to push the score on with a view to declare, he hit 46 from 52 balls as well as four fours and a six.

He was finally out in contentious conditions when umpire Tony Hill raise the finger despite a release from Rangana Herath appear to clip his cover rather than the bat on its way to wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene.

The notice saw one more shift in force with Pakistan going back into their shell with Asad chiefly in charge.

His carefully slow 26 not out took 94 balls and certainly contribute to Taufeeq's late rush of blood.

Herath also claim the wicket of Umar Gul for a second-ball duck, prompt Misbah to call his batsmen in.

The innings belong to Taufeeq, though.He did not miss a deception with a magnificently firm knock which could yet pave the way for a Pakistan victory in this first Test of three.

He approved his previous Test best of 136 in the opening sitting and looked peaceful thereafter in a 496-ball knock.

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