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Summary Azhar Ali and Younus Khan hit half centuries Thursday as Pakistan progressed to 182-3.
Pakistan’s tally is in reply to Sri Lankas first innings of 239 on the second day of the second test at Dubai International Stadium.Pakistan trailed by 57 at the tea break after Azhar struck six boundaries in an unbeaten 58 off 143 balls in just over three hours. Younus cracked two fours and a six in compiling 55 off 103 balls in 164 minutes.The pair steadied Pakistan after pacer Dhammika Prasad (2-53) struck twice to reduce the hosts to 64-2 in the morning session.Azhar and Younus stretched their third wicket partnership to 117 before Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan made a crucial breakthrough with his part-time offspin just before tea.Younus, who survived a difficult stumping chance by Kaushal Silva off Dilshan when 14, eventually dragged on as he tried to cut an offbreak.Azhar crossed 1,000 runs in tests when he reached 46 and brought up his 11th test 50 with his sixth four. Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq reached the interval on 1 not out.
