Pakistan 23 for no loss at tea, 3rd Test heads for draw

Bangalore, Dec 12 (UNI) India are on the threshold of a series victory against Pakistan after 28 years as the third and final Test headed for a draw with the visitors, chasing an improbable target of 374 in 48 overs, were 23 for no loss at tea on the fifth and final day here today.

Salman Butt (4) and Yasir Hameed (19) were unbeaten at tea break.

Pakistan trailed by 351 runs with just one session of play left.

India declared their second innings 68 minutes after lunch at 284 for six, setting Pakistan an imposiible task of scoring at 7.8 runs per over for a win.

Dinesh Karthik completed his sixth Test half century, scoring 52 off 67 balls to set the tone for brisk scoring. However, the Indians, already leading in the series 1-0, were hardly interested in forcing a result in this match.

Meanwhile, VVS Laxman had to retire hurt on 14 just after lunch after suffering a blow on the elbow while fending a short-pitched delivery from Shoaib Akthar. The team management said the injury was not serious. Laxman and Karthik had added 41 runs for the sixth wicket.

After Laxman's retirement, Irfan Pathan joined Karthik and the two added 59 runs for the seventh wicket. Karthik completed his half century with a boundary off Yasir Arafat but the Tamil Nadu batsman fell the next ball giving Kamran Akmal the third catch of the day.

Karthik's dismissal heralded the Indian declaration at 284 for six.

India are leading the series 1-0 after winning the first Test in New Delhi while the second Test at Kolkata was drawn.

UNI