Pakistani fight back!

What a comeback! Or as perhaps LL Cool J would say, don't call it a comeback, they've been doing it for years! or atleast the last few months!

Pakistan began the day at 173 for 2, and looking towards setting a total of greater than 350 for the Indians, and did they do that or what! Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf went on to 158 for the third wicket, never really looking threatened by the Indian bowlers who were unable to get the wicket to do anything. Finally, Kumble, more by guile than any actual response from the wicket, was able to remove Younis Khan, and 38 runs later, Mohammad Yousuf, unluckily I would say, for 97.

Pakistan at this point were fairly safe with a lead of 324, and were perhaps looking for another 80 odd runs for satisfaction. Shahid Afridi came in for one of his usual cameos, and after a fairly restrained 32 off 35 deliveries, exploded after tea and scored 60 off 46 deliveries when he decided to let loose. Dismissed at 402, one could have said that Pakistan was sufficiently in a good position, and perhaps only needed to bat out the day.

Faisal Iqbal and Abdul Razzaq continued, however, to take the Indians to the sword and went on to add 109 off the next 31 overs. Even though I was one of the first to say Faisal Iqbal should not have been picked, he has repayed the faith of the selectors by a key century in the second innings.

I hate to sound like a homer, but the Pakistani squad has fought back since being 39 for 6, and has never really looked like they have lost their control of the match. Now, India will have to show their mettle with two days to go, and reach a world record score in the second innings to win. Go Pakistan!