Younis gives Pakistan glimmer of hope

LAHORE: Younis Khan struck his second century of the series to lead a gallant Pakistan fightback on the final day of the second test against South Africa on Friday.   

Younis scored an unbeaten 107 to take Pakistan to 222 for two in the extended morning session, leaving the hosts needing 235 runs in a minimum of 47 overs to win the match and level the series.   

South Africa, who won the first test in Karachi by 160 runs, set Pakistan a victory target of 457.   

The highest winning fourth-innings total in test history was the 418 made by West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2003.   

Younis, who hit his 14th test century and Mohammad Yousuf (21) saw out the final hour after nightwatchman Kamran Akmal (71) had been the only wicket to fall in the session.   

Younis resumed on 48 with Pakistan on 108 for one and survived a dropped chance on 83 before reaching his 100 from 180 balls, including 14 fours, to follow his 126 in the first test.   

He and Akmal, who notched his second fifty of the match, extended their overnight partnership to 161 from 296 balls before the latter was finally bowled by left-arm spinner Paul Harris.   

Younis and Yousuf added 46 runs, the former always looking to take the attack to the South African bowlers.   

Younis smashed Makhaya Ntini for three consecutive fours in the third over of the day and hit two more off Jacques Kallis to notch up his fifth boundary in seven balls.