Twin Century Extends Pakistan Advantage

Abu Dhabi: Younis Khan hit a brilliant hundred and Misbah-ul Haq a chancy 5th ton as Pakistan established a lead on the second day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Younis (136) for his 23rd hundred and Misbah was unbeaten 105 as Pakistan reached 327-4 at stump on day 2 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 204.

Younis made 136 for his 23rd Test century while Misbah was unbeaten on 105 for his fifth as Pakistan compiled a 123-run lead over Sri Lankan first innings score of 204.

Asad Shafiq was unbeaten on 12 at close.

Shaminda Eranga took two wickets while pace partner Suranga Lakmal took one.

Pakistan now lead by 123 runs and with Younis and Misbah sharing 218 for fourth wicket stand, Pakistan look for a match-winning edge.

Younis hit spinner Rangana Herath for his 13th boundary to complete his hundred, taking just 47 balls for his second fifty runs. He has also hit a six.

Younis equalled Javed Miandad's record of 23 centuries, the third highest for Pakistan in the list topped by Inzamam-ul Haq (25) and Mohammad Yousuf (24).

Misbah had luck on his side as he was dropped by Mahela Jayawardene when on 69, as he tried to paddle sweep Herath and the fielder moving to leg-slip failed to hold an easy chance.

Misbah had also survived a close leg-before appeal on 48 off a luckless Herath as Sri Lanka's referral was wasted as tv umpire Ravi Sundaram adjudged the ball had hit the bat.

The Pakistani skipper has so far hit 13 boundaries during his 250-ball knock.

Sri Lanka had started the day well by dismissing Mohammad Hafeez (11) and Ahmed Shehzad (38) after Pakistan resumed at 46-1.

Hafeez had started off well, hitting two straight boundaries off Lakmal before miscuing a drive off the same bowler and was smartly caught at short cover by Kaushal Silva.

Silva, also a wicket-keeper but selected as opener in this Test, dived to his left and caught the ball inches from the ground.

Shehzad also miscued a hook shot and was caught at forward square-leg by Dimuth Karunaratne after hitting three boundaries.

Brief scores
Sri Lanka 204 (Mathews 91, Junaid Khan 5-58), Bilawal Bhatti 3-65)
Pakistan 327 for 4 (Younis Khan 136, Misbah ul Haq 105*)
Status Pakistan lead by 123 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
West Indies vs Bangladesh - 3rd T20I 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 21, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs 2nd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 232 runs

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