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DUBAI. — Pakistan, who won the toss and decided to bat, closed the opening day of the second Test cricket against England on 282-4 in Dubai yesterday. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was unbeaten on 102 and with him was Asad Shafiq on 46 after Pakistan lost Younis Khan (56), Sjan Masood (54), Mohammad Hafeez (19) and Shoaib Malik (two). The first Test of the three-match series ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi last week.

Meanwhile, West Indies debutant Jomel Warrican took four wickets to bundle Sri Lanka out for 200 on day one of the second Test yesterday in Colombo, raising hopes of a series-saving victory for the visitors. The 23-year-old spinner, who received his Test cap from the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, grabbed 4 for 67 off 20 overs after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat at the P Sara Stadium.

Warrican said he could not have asked for a better start to his Test career. He was inspired by Sobers, the 79-year-old regarded by many as the game’s best-ever all-rounder, who told him: “You have many games to come.” The newcomer was modest about his own efforts. “I thought the performance was average. It could have been better, but four-for (67) is a very good start for me.”

Sri Lanka’s top scorer Milinda Siriwardana (68) said he was disappointed with the team’s performance, but hoped they could dismiss the visitors for under 200 on Friday. “Our spinners Rangana and Dilruwan, I am sure will bowl the West Indies out below our total,” Siriwardana said. Bad light stopped play when the visitors were 17-1 off 5.2 overs in their quest for the first West Indian Test win on Sri Lankan soil.

They lost Shai Hope lbw to Dhammika Prasad in the first over for just four. With Kraigg Brathwaite (four not out) was nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo on five. Warrican took the scalps of Siriwardana and tailenders Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep, as the hosts slid from 145 for 6 at tea to be all out in just 66 overs. — AFP.