By David Ornstein

Akmal's century kept alive Pakistan's hopes of avoiding defeat

Pakistan staged a spirited fightback to finish day three of the second Test against India on 358-6 in Calcutta.

Resuming on 50-1, in reply to India's mammoth 616-5 declared, Pakistan lost four wickets in the morning session.

But Misbah-ul-Haq (108no) hit a maiden Test century, to put 207 on with Kamran Akmal (119) and give the tourists hope.

The visitors are 59 away from avoiding the follow-on but with only the tail to support Misbah they could struggle on a surface which has begun to break up.

Pakistan's day got off to a dreadful start as Salman Butt (42) edged off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to Rahul Dravid at slip as he tried to drive a flighted delivery.

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Eight Harbhajan deliveries later Mohammad Yousuf was bowled for only six attempting to play against the spin.

Stand-in captain Younus Khan offered stubborn resistance, forging a 49-run fourth-wicket stand with Misbah, but he then flashed at a Munaf Patel delivery, nicking behind to Mahendra Dhoni for 43.

When Faisal Iqbal fell for a duck, trapped lbw by captain Anil Kumble, Pakistan were in tatters on 150-5 and staring at the prospect of going 2-0 down in the three-match series.

However, Misbah and Akmal showed tremendous composure under intense pressure, their only piece of fortune coming when Akmal was dropped at long-leg by Patel on 87.

Much like Pakistan on day two, India were devoid of ideas on a slow pitch and turned unsuccessfully to Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

Akmal quickened the run rate and completed his fifth Test century - the most by any Pakistan wicket-keeper - with a cut through backward point.

Misbah soon reached three figures when he flicked Kumble to deep square-leg.

But just when the partnership looked set to reach stumps in tact, Akmal lost his concentration, Harbhajan getting one to spin back in and dissect his bat and pad.

"I believe I have got out at the wrong time. I should have carried on," said Akmal.

"But today's century came in a difficult situation and under pressure.