Date:20/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/20/stories/2006042010672100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Younis stars in Pakistan's victory

Abu Dhabi: Younis Khan (71 not out) led Pakistan to a six-wicket win against India in the first DLF Cup one-dayer at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Tuesday night.

Chasing 198, Pakistan overcame occasional jitters to cruise to 201 for four in 48.3 overs to go one-up in the two-match series.

The Indian pace duo of Ajit Agarkar and S. Sreesanth, however, bowled their hearts out and the latter drew first blood when he enticed Shoaib Malik (12) for a drive away from his body and Rahul Dravid pouched the catch at first slip.

Agarkar bowled a beauty to york Imran Farhat (30) to leave Pakistan at 60 for two but seasoned campaigners Inzamam-ul-Haq (40) and Younis Khan then joined hands to steady the ship and complemented each other, stitching together an 86-run partnership that built the foundation for a win.

Inzamam, however, departed trying to hit Ramesh Powar out of the park and was caught at long-on by Venugopala Rao. Three more runs and Agarkar infused some life into the match, claiming Mohammad Yousuf (1) caught behind.

But Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal (24 not out) proved tough nuts to crack and both the batsmen frustrated the Indian attack to guide their side to victory.

Younis Khan started from where he had left off in the Test series against India and he used his feet well to unsettle the spinners and his improvisation blunted the pacers. His 96-ball knock of 71 included four 4s and a huge 6 off Harbhajan Singh. — UNI