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Magnificent seventh Youhana, Saqlain's 248-run partnership secures Pakistan
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) -- New Zealand's Mark Richardson finally ended Yousuf Youhana's marathon innings Sunday but not before the Pakistan batsman had scored 203 on the fourth day of the second test in Christchurch. Youhana had batted for 429 minutes and faced 528 balls as he and Saqlain Mushtaq, who finished on 98 not out, helped take Pakistan to 561 for 7 at the close. New Zealand scored 476 in its first innings. The seventh wicket partnership between the two Pakistan batsmen was worth 248 and Richardson was the last gamble for beleaguered New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming. He had tried all the possible permutations with his bowling attack, constantly changing their ends in the hope of unsettling the Pakistan batsman. But it did not work until Richardson came in and caught and bowled Youhana in his sixth over of the day and followed this up with a sprinting lap of honor. Saqlain is just two short of his maiden test hundred although he will have a chance to complete the century Monday as Pakistan skipper Moin Khan has made it clear his team will bat on and then attempt to bowl New Zealand out. Youhana and Mushtaq paid tribute to each other after their marathon partnership. Youhana said that of the six hundreds he had scored, Saqlain had been with him for five of them. "Saqlain is always a good partner and he's great to bat with," said Youhana. The only Christian in the touring squad, Youhana thanked God "for helping me." He added: "It was my best century because it was a chanceless innings. I tried to play straight and put the team in a good position." The instructions to Youhana and Saqlain, who began the day with the score at 341 for six and with individual scores at 73 and 20 respectively, were to catch New Zealand's first innings score of 476 and then bat on for as long as possible. Winning chance Asked if there was any chance of a win on the last day, Youhana said: "We batted easily today because the pitch wasn't helping their bowlers. If we play positive cricket then I think we can do it." Saqlain said: "They New Zealand will be playing under pressure when they bat tomorrow. They've had a hard two days fielding and seen the game slip away from them. They will find it hard." Paying tribute to his partner, Saqlain said: "I have never batted so long -- six hours 42 minutes -- and he (Youhana) was always there for me. All credit goes to Yousuf for the partnership." Waqar Younis hogged the strike when he came in with eight overs to go at the end of the day at the dismissal of Youhana, robbing Saqlain of his century on the day. "I wasn't panicking," Saqlain said. "I will have time tomorrow."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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