Khan celebrates after scoring his 31st Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England batsman Joe Root scored a gritty 59 not out after Pakistan veteran Younis Khan made 118 on the fourth day of the second Test in Dubai.

Khan was well supported by fellow batsman Asad Shafiq, who scored a brilliant 79.

Starting out the day on 222/3, Pakistan lost captain Misbah-ul-Haq early on for 87 before Khan and Shafiq stabilised the innings with a 113-run stand, during which Khan brought up his 31st Test century and Shafiq his half-century.

The partnership was brought to an end when Khan was caught by Moeen Ali at mid-on off the bowling of Adil Rashid.

Khan’s magnificent knock of 118 came off 211 balls and included 13 boundaries.

Shafiq only lasted a little while longer before he was given out lbw off the bowling of Ali.

Shafiq decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to hit the stumps. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.

Shafiq’s excellent innings of 79 came off 112 balls and included eight boundaries.

Shafiq hit eight boundaries during his knock of 79

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Following Shafiq’s dismissal, ul-Haq decided to declare with his side on 354/6, which set England a target of 491 to win.

James Anderson and Mark Wood picked up two wickets apiece, while Ali and Rashid chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Chasing 491 to win, England got off to a horrible start as Ali and skipper Alastair Cook were dismissed in quick succession.

Ian Bell and Root steered the innings back in the right direction with a 102-run partnership, during which Root brought up his half-century, before Bell was caught by Khan at slip off the bowling of Zulfiqar Babar for 46.

However, umpire Bruce Oxenford did not give Bell out, which resulted in ul-Haq signalling for a review. To Pakistan’s delight, the replays showed that the ball had brushed Bell’s gloves on its way to Khan and the third umpire subsequently overturned the original decision.

Root and Jonny Bairstow proceeded to make an unbeaten nine-run partnership before stumps was called.

Root finished on 59 off 134 balls, which included five boundaries, while Bairstow remained undefeated on six off 33 deliveries, which included one boundary.

Root scored his 12th half-century of the year, which is the most by an Englishman in Test history

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Babar, Yasir Shah and Imran Khan claimed one wicket each.

England ended day four on 130/3 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.