India Close in on Victory

Sachin Tendulkar became the second highest run-scorer in Test history as India closed in on victory on day four of the first Test against Pakistan. The hosts go into the final day in New Delhi needing just 32 runs, with seven wickets remaining.

Tendulkar, who finished the day on 32 not out, surpassed Allan Border's aggregate of 11,174 with two fours in an over off Pakistan paceman Mohammad Sami. He now trails only the retired West Indian batsman Brian Lara, with 11,953 runs, on the all-time list.

Despite losing Dinesh Karthik in the first over, India made steady progress towards their victory target of 203 thanks to Jaffer's 53 from 81 balls. India could not negotiate a tricky period before lunch as Shoaib Akhtar found the edge of Karthik's bat to dismiss the opener for one and leave India on three for one.

After bringing up his up his ninth Test half-century, Jaffer fell to an excellent low catch from Salman Butt at square leg from the very next ball to give Shoaib his second wicket and Pakistan hope. And the fast bowler struck again to dismiss Rahul Dravid for 34. Shoaib, the pick of the bowlers, finished the day with figures of three for 41 from 15 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan could only add 35 to their overnight total as they were bowled out for 247 before lunch. Resuming their second innings on 212 for five, the visitors lost wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal in the first over of the day and never recovered as Zaheer Khan and Sourav Ganguly took two wickets apiece to restrict the tourists to 247 all out - a lead of 202.

Leg-spinner Anil Kumble took three for 68 to claim seven wickets on what looks set to be a winning debut as Test captain.