HOVE: Sussex openers Harry Finch and Luke Wells kept Pakistan attack at bay for a magnificent 212-run stand here on the second day of the three-day tour match on Saturday before the tourists bounced back to take five quick wickets to leave the match evenly poised.

Sussex, who started their innings this morning after Pakistan had declared at the overnight score of 363-5, were off to a great start as both Wells and Finch scored at a brisk pace to put up a century stand in even time.

None of the Pakistan bowlers, with the exception of Imran Khan, could trouble the two batsmen. The Sussex duo was particularly severe on lead bowling pair of pacer Wahab Riaz and Sohail Khan who were hit all around the park on a placid wicket.

Finch, batting superbly, completed his hundred with 16 sweetly timed hits to the fence besides three lofty sixes.

However, soon after both Wells and Finch had completed their 200-run stand, Wahab bowling well in his second spell got rid of both in quick succession, Finch caught well by close in fielder Mohammad Hafeez while Wells fell to a straight forward catch by wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sussex then lost three quick wickets before declaring at 291-5.

Imran was the pick of Pakistan bowlers with 2-60 while left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar also claimed one.

Pakistan were 40 withouit loss in their second innings just after tea break.

The first Test of the four-Test series between Pakistan and England begins at Lord’s on July 14.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2016