India 615-5 & 141-2 Pakistan 456: Jaffer half-century tightens India's grip

A half-century from Wasim Jaffer helped India stretch their lead over Pakistan to 301 runs on day four of the second Test here yesterday. Having bowled the tourists out for 456 before tea, Jaffer, scorer of a double-hundred in the first innings, led from the front with his 56 guiding India to 141 for 2.

Jaffer was dropped on nought before his opening-wicket stand of 75 with Dinesh Karthik allowed India to take control. Karthik was eventually removed by Danish Kaneria for 28 when he pushed a shot to Misbah-ul-Haq at square leg, but Jaffer went on to reach his 10th Test 50 in 70 balls.

Kaneria removed him soon afterwards, bowling the opener as he attempted a slog. Mahendra Singh Dhoni had moved on to 28 at the close, with Sourav Ganguly unbeaten on 24.

Earlier in the day, an unbeaten 161 from Misbah helped Pakistan avoid the follow-on, but a late collapse saw them bowled out with a 160-run first-innings deficit. Misbah and Mohammad Sami had steered their side through the morning session and beyond the 417 runs needed to avoid having to bat again.