DUBAI: A dashing century by Younus Khan and a patient half-century by Azhar Ali helped Pakistan take a formidable lead of 180 runs against England on second day of the third and final Test being played here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Both batsmen first shrugged off the early loss of their openers to reach 120 for two at tea and then extended the score to 222-2 at stumps.
Younis made 115 not out, supported at the other end by Azhar who was on 75. The pair has so far added 194 runs for their unbeaten third wicket partnership.
Pakistan were 180 runs ahead of England with eight wickets remaining in the second innings.
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Pakistan, who lead 2-0 in the three-Test series, are hoping for a clean sweep by putting up a formidable total in their second innings to punish the tourists.
When Younis swept Monty Panesar for two runs, he reached his 20th Test hundred from 166 balls with eleven fours and a six.
This was the first hundred in the current Test series as no other batsman from Pakistan and England could so far make any three-figure score.
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out England's lower order to trail by 42 runs as the touring party made 141 in reply to Pakistan's first innings of 99.
Abdur Rehman's five-wicket haul ensured a half century by captain Andrew Strauss (56) only resulted in a modest lead for England.
Then Pakistan made a disastrous start again in the second innings losing their openers for 28 runs on the board..
James Anderson was the first to strike, dismissing Taufeeq Umar (6) for the second time in the match, this time caught at slip.
Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar trapped Mohammad Hafeez lbw (21) on the sweep.
