KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC):

A workmanlike perform-ance from West Indies in the field put a damper on yet another record-breaking Mohammad Yousuf century, as they restricted Pakistan to 257 for seven on day one of the crucial third and final Test.

The visiting bowlers were rewarded for a probing line and length on another pitch devoid of pace, bounce and grass, although Yousuf hit 102 - his record eighth century in 2006.

West Indies bowled with purpose to ensure that none of the other Pakistan batsmen passed 50, as the 32-year-old Yousuf, who was dropped on 63, struck 15 fours in notching his 22th Test century, his fifth in consecutive Tests.

Corey Collymore, luckless in the opening two matches, took two for 41 off 17 overs despite battling an upset stomach.

Dwayne Bravo claimed two for 33 and Jerome Taylor one for 55. Daren Powell was expensive, but he was as persistent as the other trio without recompense.

Lucky Ganga

The surprise package was provided by the off spin of Daren Ganga, who picked up the crucial wicket of Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq to break a worrying partnership with Yousuf.

West Indies could have been deflated after the loss of the toss and the sight of the new ball struggling to rise over waist height.

Skipper Brian Lara's intro-duction of Chris Gayle's off spin in the day's ninth over almost seemed a concession.

But the spirits never wavered, and Collymore lifted his team's mood with a breakthrough in the 10th over. Mohammad Hafeez's offstump was flattened as an in-swinger ducked between bat and pad to breach his off-drive.

Imran Farhat, the flashy left-hander, struggled initially as did the usually free-flowing Younis Khan.

Younis got off the mark with an overthrown five, but should not have got any further. His flashing edge at Powell's first delivery sailed between first and second slip as Chris Gayle and Lara looked at one another.

More runs

By now, Lara and his men had recognised the lifeless nature of the pitch and the slip cordon had crept very close to the bat. But it was a chance nevertheless, and this let-off seemed to jump-start the pair and the strokes began to flow.

Farhat, who took 45 deliveries to reach double figures, reeled off a few of his trademark offside drives, while Younis twice drove Taylor straight for boundaries.

Powell engineered the next breach as a misjudgement by Farhat on a single ended Younis' innings.

The bowler followed through smartly and scored a direct hit at the striker's end with the right-hander two yards short.