Johannesburg: Veteran batsman Younis Khan scored a double century before leg-spinner Yasir Shah grabbed three wickets to put Pakistan on top against England on day three of the fourth Test at The Oval.
Having gained a first-innings lead of 214, Pakistan produced a spirited performance as they reduced the hosts to 88 for four at the close of play, 126 runs still in arrears.
Gary Balance (4) and Jonny Bairstow (14) will resume England’s fightback on day four as the hosts need something remarkable to prevent Pakistan from equalising the four-match series 2-2, Sport24 reported.
England suffered an early setback in their second innings when captain Alastair Cook (seven) was dismissed by a lifting Wahab Riaz delivery.
Yasir, England’s tormentor-in-chief at Lord’s, then removed Alex Hales (12), James Vince (0) and star batsman Joe Root to put the tourists back in ascendancy.
Earlier, 38-year-old Younis overcame his string of low-scores in a dramatic fashion, scoring 218 Pakistan’s first-innings 542 all out to return to form.
Younis received a standing ovation from the Oval crowd after batting for a gruelling seven-and-a-half hours, which included 31 fours and four sixes. (ANI)