Yousuf helps Pakistan to set 266-run Target for SA
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

LAHORE: Star batsman Muhammad Yousuf ‘s magnificent century helped Pakistan to make 265-9 in the allotted 50 overs in the second One-day International against South Africa.

He scored 117 runs, his second hundred against South Africa and 13th overall in 244 One-day Internationals. He faced 143 balls and hit nine boundaries.

During his innings, Yousuf was involved in three major partnerships – 60 with Younus Khan (32) for third wicket, 107 with Shoaib Malik (56) for the fourth wicket and 41 with Misbah-ul-Haq (21) for fifth wicket.

After winning the toss first time int the series, captain Shoaib Malik opted for batting but his openers let him down again as both were dismissed for 13 runs.

Then Yousuf and Younus took the score to safety and later Yousuf and Shoaib strengthened the position.

However, Shahid Afridi could not repeat the innings which he played in the previous match and after opening his account with a huge six was caught at boundary line on the very next ball.

From South Africa, pace bowlers Albie Morkel, Makhaya Ntini and Charl Langeveldt claimed two wickets each while Shaun Pollock and Jacquis Kallis got one wicket each.

South Africa now has to chase 266 runs to win the match. They are already leading the five-match series 1-0.●