MULTAN, March 31: Leg-spinner Anil Kumble returned to haunt Pakistan, taking India to the verge of their first Test victory on Pakistani soil on Wednesday. The 33-year-old, who had picked up all 10 second innings wickets against Pakistan in New Delhi in 1999, grabbed his 24th five-wicket haul as the hosts, needing 268 to avoid an innings defeat, were 207 for nine on the fourth day.

Kumble finished the day with figures of six for 71 to cap a fine day for the Indians, who have not won any of their previous 20 Tests in Pakistan, losing five and drawing 15.

Kumble said the imposing total had helped him go all-out in attack. "The pitch has not changed character at all," said Kumble who missed the earlier one-day series due to a shoulder strain.

"It's still a placid and flat wicket. I think the pressure of the total got to the Pakistan batsmen," he said. "We're just one wicket away from a historic win. "It's very special for me and the team. But we now have to carry on from here and are looking to win this Test series. We have the self-confidence to do it."

The match would have ended on Wednesday but for Youhana's gallant century and his 70-run stand for the ninth wicket with Shoaib Akhtar after Pakistan had been reduced to 136-8.

Kumble, who has now claimed 390 from 82 Tests, said he enjoyed Pakistan in Pakistan. "We back ourselves to win in any conditions. Whatever we have achieved so far in this match is due to the total of 675 we put up in the first innings.

"I have done well against Pakistan in the past and came here with the confidence that I could do it again. "I don't think I have to prove anything to anyone. A lot has been said about my bowling, that I don't turn the ball. But I am happy I have achieved something that will contribute to the team's win." -Agencies