Cricket: Younis slams 267 for Pakistan

BANGALORE, India - Younis Khan struck a masterly career-best 267 as Pakistan amassed 570 on the second day of the final test against India on Friday.

Younis, playing his 35th test, exploited a flat wicket to hammer 32 fours and a six in his marathon 504-ball knock, batting for 11-and-a-half-hours in sapping heat.

It was the highest score by a Pakistan batsman in India, surpassing Saeed Anwar's 188 not out in Calcutta in 1999, and the sixth highest for Pakistan overall.

The 27-year-old vice-captain shared in a 324-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq (184) and added 84 for the fourth with Yousuf Youhana (37).

Off spinner Harbhajan Singh took six wickets for 152, including the scalp of Younis.

India lead the three-match series 1-0.

Quick bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji got India off to a dream start again on Friday, striking with his first delivery.

Balaji, who had removed opener Shahid Afridi with his first ball on Thursday, trapped Inzamam lbw with a good-length delivery that came in just enough to beat the bat.

That was the only time Inzamam, the fifth player to score a century in his 100th test, was in trouble during his 264-ball knock. Younis celebrated his maiden double-century by kneeling to kiss the ground.

Harbhajan, reported for throwing earlier this week, was the only bowler to pose problems for Pakistan as the day wore on.

Refraining from bowling his troubled "doosra", the ball that turns away from the right-hander, Harbhajan still made things with his drift and flight.

He finished with six wickets for 152, including Younis, who was caught at cover while trying to force the pace.

India were due to bat for 10 overs before stumps.

- REUTERS