Youhana helps Probables win

Yousuf Youhana overcame a nasty blow on his left toe to spearhead Pakistan Probables to a three-wicket victory over Karachi Leopards in the third practice match under the National Stadium floodlights.

Youhana, who was struck by paceman Mohammad Sami before he had reached double figures, went on to score 75 as the Probables achieved the victory target of 202 with 24 balls to spare.

Youhana and ever-improving Abdur Razzaq rescued the Probables from the loss of both the openers in the second over to add 137 runs for the third wicket from 191 balls.

Youhana faced 124 balls out of which 10 were crashed for boundaries while Razzaq played his natural free-stroke innings belting eight boundaries and a six in a 88-ball 56. Razzaq, dropped by Nomanullah off Saad Altaf, was specially severe on Danish Kaneria when he canned three boundaries in five balls of his second over.

The Probables overcame a mini middle-order collapse after the departure of the two in a space of 14 runs before securing a 2-1 lead in the five-match series which concludes at Rawalpindi on Feb 2.

Left-arm paceman Saad Altaf from Mangla bowled impressively for his three wickets for 50 runs but at times strayed down the leg side to suffer punishment from Youhana.

Earlier, Karachi Leopards failed to capitalize from a 91-run second wicket stand between opener Shadab Kabir and Faisal Iqbal to collect 201 for eight in 50 overs.

Shadab, the elegant left-hander, canned five boundaries and a six in his 82-ball knock while Faisal intelligently picked gaps in the fields while scoring 50 that also included three fours and a six. He consumed 79 balls.