Yousuf and Akmal carry Pakistan charge

Mohammad Yousuf's fourteenth Test hundred and Kamran Akmal's career-best second carried the final Test away from England putting Pakistan in sight of a series triumph

Pakistan 446 for 5 (Yousuf 183*, Akmal 116*) lead England 288 by 158 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Mohammad Yousuf and Kamran Akmal reached memorable hundreds © Getty Images

Mohammad Yousuf's 14th Test hundred and Kamran Akmal's career-best second ton carried the final Test away from England, putting Pakistan in sight of a series triumph. Their unbroken record-breaking stand of 199 means they are now assured of at least the draw they need and can now push for the win that would complete a memorable success.

Yousuf and Akmal produced contrasting innings and such was their dominance and lasting presence in the middle that Inzamam-ul-Haq wasn't required to test his injured wrist. Yousuf's bat grew broader and broader with every over, and he is now in sight of his third double century. He had to be at his most determined to fend off another period of hostile quick bowling from Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff, but for every bouncer he received there was a well-timed drive or clip around the corner.

In many ways, though, Akmal's innings will have been the most pleasing for Bob Woolmer. Yousuf's qualities are not in doubt but the length of Pakistan's tail has been a weakness. Akmal, who has already pouched two brilliant catches in the Test, showed he has the ability to develop into the counter-attacking wicketkeeper that all teams crave.

He took the game by the scruff of the neck from the moment Michael Vaughan opted for the second new ball, by thrashing a succession of half volleys from Matthew Hoggard through the off side. He only offered one fleeting chance; a difficult catch to Marcus Trescothick at a wide slip when he was on 95. He was not to be denied his second ton, reaching the mark with a cracking cover drive - his ninth four in 178 balls. It was the first time he had passed fifty since his first hundred, the match-saving century against India in Mohali, and it was a promising sign that he again converted into three figures.

From the start of play Yousuf was content to work the gaps, keeping the ball along the ground, but reached his century in grand manner with a thumping straight six off Shaun Udal. Apart from his let-off yesterday on 16 it was a faultless innings from Yousuf who had to contend with Harmison at his best and the added pressure of Inzamam's injury. His cover-and straight-driving was a trademark and once past 150 he expanded his strokeplay against a tiring attack, but still without taking excessive risks. The stand broke the previous record in England-Pakistan Tests of 145 by Mushtaq Mohammad and Intikhab Alam at Hyderabad in 1972-73.

No blame can be placed at the feet of Harmison and Flintoff, who again produced unstinting efforts. However, such was the authority with which the sixth-wicket pair batted that whatever Vaughan threw at them they responded with calm, collected resistance. For the first time in recent years Vaughan began to look slightly lost. The lack of a wicket-taking spinner was highlighted with Udal conceding nearly five an over, meaning Vaughan had to constantly return to his quicks. One heartening aspect of the day for a weary England side was the performance of Liam Plunkett. He produced a highly promising spell and maintained his stamia, managing to trouble both batsmen towards the end of the day.

Pakistan now have such a stranglehold on the match that it is easy to forget that the day started with England retaining hopes of a slender first innings advantage. That notion was quickly dashed by Shoaib Ahtkar's determined career-best knock. He weathered a barrage of bouncers and grew in confidence. A fierce cover drive off Harmison and a slog-sweep for six off Udal pushed the score along and ate into England's narrowing advantage. By the time he fell to Plunkett he had more than done his job in paving the way for Pakistan to build a commanding lead.

Yousuf and Akmal carry Pakistan charge

Match at a Glance & Key Facts

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