Azhar's century puts Pakistan on top
Talented Azhar Ali finally got his maiden Test century as Pakistan piled the pressure on Sri Lanka on the second day of the second Test here on Thursday.
A three-figure score had eluded the 26-year-old right-hander in the last 14 Tests, but he finally reached the mark in the closing stages to guide Pakistan to a dominating 281 for four in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 239.
Fruitful stands
Azhar, the only bright spot from last year's fixing-marred tour of England, put on 117 for the third wicket with Younis Khan (55) and 94 for the fourth wicket with skipper Misbah-ul Haq (40 batting).
Azhar fell for 100 in the penultimate over of the day, leaving Misbah and nightwatchman Saeed Ajmal at the crease.
Surviving two confident leg-before shouts against paceman Suranga Lakmal, Azhar straight drove the same bowler to reach 96. When he was on 98, Azhar miscued a sweep off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath but got the much-needed two runs and a well-deserved century.
Azhar's partnerships with Younis and Misbah helped Pakistan overcome the early loss of openers Taufiq Umar (27) and Mohammad Hafeez (33) to Sri Lankan paceman Dhammika Prasad, who finished the day with two for 73.
Newspaper:The Hindu, 28th Oct