Kolkata, December 1:

Venkatsai Laxman and Sourav Ganguly hammered robust centuries to take India to a formidable total against Pakistan in the second Test.

Laxman scored an unbeaten 112 for his 11th Test hundred and Ganguly a solid 102 for his 14th, as India posted a 616-5 declared in their first innings after resuming at 352-3.

Pakistan faltered in reply as they lost Yasir Hameed (21) in leg-spinner Anil Kumble’s opening over before reaching 50-1 on the second day. Salman Butt (26) and Younis Khan (three) were at the crease when bad light stopped play.

Earlier, opener Wasim Jaffer (202) completed his second double-century. Mahendra Singh Dhoni also joined the party, smashing one six and six fours in his unbeaten 50. India’s total was their highest against Pakistan at home, surpassing the previous best of 539-9 declared at Chennai in 1961.

Jaffer was just 10 short of his career-best 212, made against the West Indies at Antigua last year. He struck 34 fours in his 274-ball knock.

It was a frustrating day for Pakistan, who could grab just two wickets in more than two sessions, removing Jaffer in the morning and Ganguly in the afternoon. Shoail Tanvir, playing only his second Test, finished with 2-166 and Danish Kaneria with 2-194. India made the most of ideal batting conditions, with Ganguly and Laxman demoralising the Pakistani attack with their exciting strokeplay during a 163-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Runs came comfortably from both the ends as Laxman and Ganguly dominated the Pakistani attack in the afternoon session. Laxman hit 15 fours and Ganguly 14. Ganguly looked in trouble just once when he offered a difficult chance while fending off a rising delivery from Akhtar, the ball flying past a diving Hameed at gully for a boundary.