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FAISALABSD, Jan 23 (AFP): India wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni struck a superb maiden Test century as his team recovered to 441-5, 147 behind Pakistan at stumps day three.
Rahul Dravid recorded his second successive hundred and took his second wicket partnership with VVS Laxman to 197, an Indian record in Pakistan.
However, four wickets fell for 45 in 11 overs after lunch and as Dhoni came in 107 were needed to save the follow-on.
Dhoni hit some fierce strokes in an unbroken 160 stand with Irfan Pathan.
Dravid completed his half-century by driving the opening ball of the day from Mohammad Asif straight down the ground for four.
Laxman, 28 not out overnight, reached his fifty from 147 balls with seven fours.
In the absence of injured Inzamam, Pakistan were led by Younis Khan, and were also without Shoaib Malik, who returned home to visit his seriously ill father.
With both batsmen well set, Shoaib Akhtar was unable to get his radar right and the spinners were frustrated by the slow pitch, so there seemed little chance of a wicket.
But in the third over after lunch, Laxman attempted to cut Danish Kaneria and got an edge to keeper Kamran Akmal.
Three overs later Dravid, having completed his 22nd Test century with a cut to the boundary off Shahid Afridi, failed to beat substitute Imran Farhat's direct hit from square-leg.
Having elected not to play the hook shot at the start of his innings, Yuvraj Singh was tempted by Mohammad Asif and Danish Kaneria took a well-judged catch inches inside the ropes at fine-leg.
Tendulker walked without looking at umpire Simon Taufel after an appeal from Shoaib Akhter, even though replays suggested his glove was not on his bat when the ball brushed it.
Dhoni continued to lead a charmed life, a back foot force just clearing point, and a hook at Akhtar from round the wicket falling short of the deep fielder.
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