Pak need 417 to avoid follow-on in Kolkata Test

India has set Pakistan a formidable 616 to get in the second cricket Test being played at the Eden Gardens here.

Kolkata, Dec.1 : India has set Pakistan a formidable 616 to get in the second cricket Test being played at the Eden Gardens here.

Continuing from its overnight score of 352 for three, India compounded Pakistan's problems on Saturday by adding a further 264 runs for the loss of just two wickets in under six hours of play.

Overnight batsmen Wasim Jaffer and Saurav Ganguly added a further 23 runs to their partnership of 39 on Friday, before Jaffer fell for a master class 202 with 34 boundaries, caught behind of the bowling of Sohail Tanvir.

Pakistan, hoping to see light at the end of a dark tunnel, was in for greater disappointment as Ganguly and V.V.S. Laxman plundered runs at will of a wilting bowling attack.

Both completed centuries, but for Ganguly, Saturday's 102 with 14 boundaries, was special as it was his first on his homeground -- the Eden Gardens.

The thrill exhibited on reaching the coveted landmark was there for all to see. Sadly, he fell soon after, getting caught in the deep of Salman Butt.

He and Laxman had a partnership of 163, and his departure resulted in a rollicking unbeaten partnership of 78 runs between Laxman and Dhoni, of which the latter got 50 with six fours and a six.

Laxman got his 11th century in due course. He scored an unbeaten 112 with 15 boundaries.

Indian skipper Anil Kumble declared the innings closed at 616 for five after Dhoni reached his half-century.

For Pakistan, the standout bowlers were Sohail Tanvir, who took two wickets for 166 runs of 39 overs and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria who took two for 194 of 50 overs. Butt took one for 36 of 6.5 overs.

Pakistan will have to reach a score of 416 to avoid a follow-on in the 1850th Test match to be played in the world. At the time of filing this report, Pakistan were 10 without loss.

ANI