The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Gwalior

Mohammad Yousuf's unbeaten 99 lifted Pakistan to a modest 255 for six in the fourth limited-overs international against India on Thursday.

Yousuf hit two runs on the final delivery of the innings, finishing one short of his 14th limited-overs international century from 251 matches, but gave his bowlers a chance to pull off a series-leveling win.

Pakistan must win this match to stay in the five-match series after India gained a 2-1 lead by winning the third match on Sunday.

Yousuf's 104-ball knock contained two sixes and seven boundaries, holding the innings together after the departure of Younis Khan, who made 68 off 89 deliveries.

Yousuf shared a brisk 94-run stand with Misbah-ul-Haq for the fifth wicket that spurred the scoring rate. Their partnership was broken in the 47th over when Misbah was adjudged lbw to paceman Irfan Pathan for 40.

Pakistan lost opener Salman Butt without scoring on the second delivery of the game from Rudra Pratap Singh, but skipper Shoaib Malik (31) put on 74 runs for the second wicket with Younis Khan, who hit five boundaries and one six.

Opening for the first time in this series, Malik was clean bowled by pacer Zaheer Khan, who emerged as the most successful bowler with figures of 2-40. He also removed Sohail Tanvir (6).

Younis Khan popped a return catch to part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi (1) was trapped lbw by Sourav Ganguly before Yousuf and Misbah put Pakistan back in the contest.