Yasir Arafat, Pakistan debutant bowler, took three early wickets to give the visitors, who trail the three-match series 1-0, a great start in seaming conditions.
However, former captain Ganguly, who scored a century in the drawn second Test, and Yuvraj, playing in his first Test in over a year, defied the bowlers with a stand that is highest for the fifth-wicket in an India-Pakistan series.
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"I should have got a double-century, but I am happy I pulled my team out of trouble."
Yuvraj Singh |
"I was nervous when we were 61-4. I have never been a confident starter in Test cricket. It gives me shivers because it's a different ball game," said Yuvraj.
"I feel bad sitting out, but it's not easy to replace Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Ganguly and Venkatsai Laxman in the middle order.
"I was disappointed to get out. I should have got a double-century, but I am happy I pulled my team out of trouble."
Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan paceman, was at his hostile best and struck Rahul Dravid on his shoulder with a delivery that lifted sharply, but then left the field during the second session for a scan after complaining of back pain.
A Pakistan team spokesman said the injury-prone bowler was expected to take the field on day two.
Sami and Arafat strike early
Mohammad Sami, new ball bowler, provided an early breakthrough when he had opener Gautam Gambhir edge behind for five for his first wicket in the series.
Gambhir and Yuvraj were drafted in for Sachin Tendulkar and vice-captain Mahendra Dhoni, who are injured.
All-rounder Arafat, called into the touring party as a replacement for the injured Umar Gul, dismissed Dravid for 19, opener Wasim Jaffer for 17 and Vangipurappu Laxman for just 5 in an impressive display of seam bowling.
Arafat tempted Dravid into a slash outside off stump to be caught at first slip by Misbah-ul-Haq before dismissing Jaffer in the next over when the second Test double centurion shouldered arms to a delivery that cut back sharply, trapping him LBW.
Laxman was dismissed when he played a low delivery from Arafat on to his stumps.
Ganguly and Yuvaj take control
With India teetering at 61 for 4, Ganguly and Yuvaj took control.
Yuvraj, who is yet to seal a regular spot in a strong Test middle-order, played some attractive shots and used his full reach to counter leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who operated with two men in catching positions.
The in-form one day player, who turns 26 next week, lashed 28 fours and a six off Kaneria in 203 balls for his third century, all against Pakistan, in his 20th Test as he outscored his senior partner Ganguly.
Yuvraj was finally caught in the gully when trying to close the face of the bat on a Sami delivery in the dying moments of the day.
Meanwhile the fluent Ganguly, playing in his 99th Test at age 35, hit 20 boundaries for his 15th century, reaching it with an effortlessly struck four off part-time spinner Yasir Hameed.
India won the opening Test by six wickets in New Delhi.