First Test: Younis, Misbah help Pakistan to post 90-run lead

Khan remains unbeaten at 76 at stumps on third day's play.

HARARE: Having failed in their attempts to restrict Zimbabwe from posting a lead, a tenacious Younis Khan steadied Pakistan to see out the third day of the first test with a 90-run lead and six wickets in hand.

At stumps on Thursday, Khan, 76, and Asad Shafiq, 15, gave Pakistan some hope of posting a good total for Zimbabwe to chase.

Pakistan though were fortunate not to suffer a collapse similar to the one in the first innings. Already behind Zimbabwe's 78 run lead, Pakistan had their three top order batsmen by the 10th over with the score at just 23.

However, Khan, who was dismissed cheaply in first innings got stuck in with captain Misbahul Haq, 52, put on a 116-run partnership to give Pakistan hope and a lead.

The captain though ultimately fell. Incoming batsman Asad Shafiq though held on to ensure that Pakistan went into the fourth day with six wickets in hand to push their lead further.

Earlier on Thursday, the Zimbabwe lower order managed to stretch their lead to a an unsettling 78 before getting all out for 327. Elton Chigumbura struck 69 before being caught off at short leg off Ajmal.

From Pakistan's side, Saeed Ajmal proved the most successful bowler with seven wickets to his name. While Junaid Khan claimed two and Rahat Ali one, Ali and Rehman were quite benign in their bowling.