England claimed an important psychological victory over Pakistan after narrowly failing to take a major stride towards securing a famous triumph in the opening Test. Generally regarded as confirmed underdogs for the three Test series because of their unfamiliarity in the conditions and the effectiveness of their opponents' spin attack, they have confounded predictions by dominating the opening encounter at the Colonel Gaddafi stadium. Having piled up an impressive 480 for eight declared and nullified all but the magical Saqlain Mushtaq, the tourists came so very close to making Pakistan follow on and give themselves every opportunity of securing only their second Test victory in this country.
Resuming 361 runs adrift on 119 for two needing a further 162 just to avoid batting again, Pakistan slumped to 273 for eight with youngster Yousuf Youhana and tail-ender Saqlain at the crease. But despite England taking the new ball, Pakistan's ninth-wicket pair were able to claim the eight runs required to pass the follow-on target during an unbroken 60-run stand and steered their side to 333 for eight at the close of the fourth day. Unless the final day becomes one of the most remarkable in Test history, any hopes of a positive result were all but ended by that late partnership and continued a trend between these two sides having shared 15 draws in the 18 matches played here since 1961. England, though, know they have proved a point in their first Test in Pakistan for 13 years and will have given their opponents plenty to ponder before they resume the series in Faisalabad on November 29. (PA)
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
