Asad Shafiq and Younus Khan made gritty centuries to lift Pakistan to 340 for six as England’s bowlers toiled away on the second day of the final Test at The Oval on Friday.
Shafiq scored 109 and shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 150 with Younus to lay the foundation for a large first-innings total as Pakistan looks to win the match and level the series 2-2.
Replying to England’s 328, Pakistan lost only night-watchman Yasir Shah in the morning session. Shah fell for 26 when he edged a lifting delivery from Steven Finn to Joe Root at second slip.
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Finn put down a straightforward caught and bowled chance off Azhar Ali, and Shafiq was dropped by James Anderson in the slips off Woakes on 24.
Azhar made 49 before he was caught off the glove by ’keeper Jonny Bairstow off Moeen Ali.
Shafiq claimed his ninth Test century before he pulled Finn to mid-wicket where Stuart Broad held an excellent diving catch.
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Woakes boosted England’s spirits late in the day with two wickets in an over. Misbah-ul-Haq, on 15, was caught by Hales in the gully and Iftikhar Ahmed was held by Moeen running back from mid-on.
Younus went on to 32nd Test hundred, and he was unbeaten on 101 at the close with Sarfraz Ahmed on 17. — AFP