Pakistan batsmen fight back after Lara's 216

MULTAN, Nov 22 (Reuters) Half centuries from Imran Farhat, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf inspired a strong fight back by Pakistan to save the second test after Brian Lara had hit his ninth double hundred to put West Indies in control today.

Farhat (70 not out) shared substantial partnerships with Younis (56) and Yousuf (56 not out) to steer Pakistan to a comfortable 213 for two at the close on the fourth day, just 21 runs short of making West Indies bat again.

West Indies, enjoying a first innings lead of 234 thanks to Lara's brilliant 216, dismissed Mohammad Hafeez for 18 in the second session and removed the dangerous Younis in the second over after tea.

While Hafeez was bowled middle stump by Jerome Taylor, Younis was caught behind off spinner Dave Mohammed after a 100 runs stand from 149 balls with Farhat.

Younis came in with Taylor and Daren Powell bowling with precision to peg the batsmen down. He changed the tempo with some powerful shots to release the pressure.

The left-handed Farhat, dropped on 45 by Shivnarine Chanderpaul at short mid-off off Dwayne Bravo, than combined with the in-form Yousuf to put on an undefeated 89 runs for the third wicket to keep the visitors at bay.

Yousuf was also lucky to survive a leg before appeal just before the close from Taylor after he offered no shot to one that slanted in.

SPLENDID FORM Yousuf was in splendid form scoring his 27th half century from 66 balls with seven fours and Farhat his 10th from 139 balls and six boundaries.

Younis also completed his 17th half century from 66 balls with six shots to the fence and 4000 runs in his 49th match with a streaky shot down to fine leg.

All three batsmen also got half centuries in the first innings total of 357 to which West Indies replied with 591.

''This match is not over as yet. We still have to bat sensibly because we are still behind them,'' Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said.

''I thought we came back strongly today taking Lara's wicket quickly which was crucial and our batting reply was strong,'' he said.

Trailing the three-match series 1-0 after last week's nine-wicket defeat in Lahore, West Indies were bowled out one hour before lunch having resumed on 509 for five.

Lara, resuming on 196, completed his double hundred after playing 11 balls in the morning before holing out in the deep to jubilant leg spinner Danish Kaneria.

Lara has now scored four hundreds in his last four tests against Pakistan and 34 tons in 130 appearances, his 216 coming in 432 minutes and 262 balls with 22 fours and seven sixes.

Kaneria also had Dave Mohammed stumped after the left hander smashed him for two sixes to finish with 5-181 for his 12th five-wicket haul.

Abdul Razzaq wrapped up the innings by trapping Taylor and Powell leg before in three balls.

REUTERS SAM ND2034