S P O R T S   U P D A T E

India on the threshold of victory

Mohali, March 11
India put themselves on the threshhold of a comprehensive victory over arch rivals Pakistan in the first cricket Test, despite Inzamam-ul-Haq playing a captain's knock to lead a spirited fightback by the visitors here today.

After conceding a huge 204-run first innings lead, the visitors were precariously placed at 10 for three before Inzamam (86) launched a fierce counter attack, inspiring his team to stage a fightback and reach 257 for six at close on the penultimate day.

But with Pakistan having a lead of just 53 runs and four wickets in hand, the Indians were firmly in the driver's seat to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on the last day tomorrow.

Inzamam found an able ally in Yousuf Youhana (68) as the duo not only put on a record fourth wicket partnership of 139 runs under tremendous pressure but also spared the team the embarassment of an innings defeat.

The burly Pakistani captain belted ten boundaries and a six during his 105-ball knock before falling prey to Anil Kumble for the second time in succession just when he was cruising along towards his 21st Test century.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 447 for six, the Indian batsmen added 69 more runs before folding up for 516 with the stylish VVS Laxman (58) and a brisk 36-ball 31 by Laxmipathy Balaji being the main contributions. — PTI