Younis, Misbah fight for Pak in 2nd Test
Dubai: Seasoned batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul Haq hit resolute half-centuries to take the fight to Sri Lanka in the second Test here on Friday. Younis was unbeaten on 62 and Misbah scored 52 not out to help Pakistan reach 132-3 at close on the third day at the Dubai stadium pitch which is likely to help spinners on the last two days. Pakistan still need another 93 runs to avoid an innings defeat and go 1-0 down in the three Test series after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi. Younis and Misbah – who both hit hundreds in Abu Dhabi last week – came together with Pakistan in dire straits at 19-3. They held the batting together during their unfinished 113-run fourth wicket stand. Sri Lanka earlier gained a big 223-run lead by scoring 388 in their first knock. Pakistan had made 165 in the first innings. Earlier, Mahela Jayawardene hit a fighting 129 and when on 117 became the eighth highest run-getter in all Test cricket, surpassing Australia’s Steve Waugh’s 10,927 in 140 Tests. Jayawardene now has 10,940 in 140 Tests. (AFP)
B’desh promises more security for Asia Cup
Dubai: Bangladesh promised enhanced security on Friday for the Pakistan cricket team during next month’s Asia Cup, after political unrest in Dhaka endangered their participation in the regional event. The Asian Cricket Council last week decided to host the event in Dhaka from February 25-March 8 despite violence and protests in the wake of January 5 national elections, which opposition parties boycotted. Anti-Pakistan sentiments were also sparked after Islamabad’s protest over the execution of Islamic leader Abdul Quader Mollah in December last year. Protesters burnt Pakistani flags and staged demonstrations at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. (AFP)
Bhawanipore lift Bordoloi Trophy
GUWAHATI: A 59th minute goal by striker Manjit Singh enabled Bhawanipore FC of Kolkata to lift the Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy here on Thursday. In a low-scoring summit clash of the 62nd edition of the championship at the Nehru Stadium, the Kolkata outfit edged past Aizawl FC 1-0. After a barren first half, Manjit volleyed home from a close range for the winning goal. The Mizoram club’s players created more openings in comparison to their Kolkata counterparts, but could not find the net. (IANS)