WI vs PAK: Pakistan took control of the second Test (WI vs PAK) at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on the third day of the second Test. After bowling out the West Indies for 344 in the first innings, Pakistan scored 387 runs to take a 43-run lead.
In response, the hosts ended the day’s play at 103 for 6 in their second innings. Their lead has now dwindled to just 60 runs. Therefore, Pakistan is expected to face a small target on the fourth day and appears to be in a strong position to win this test match.
Spinners changed the course of the match
The final session of the third day proved to be the turning point of the match (WI vs PAK). West Indies’ openers initially eroded Pakistan’s lead, but spinners Sajid Khan and Ali Usman then took quick wickets to turn the match in Pakistan’s favour.
Sajid Khan provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpau LBW. He then dismissed Shai Hope and nightwatchman Jaden Seals. Ali Usman then gave West Indies their sixth wicket by catching Roston Chase off his own bowling on the last ball of the day. With just four wickets remaining, West Indies will find it difficult to set a challenging target for Pakistan.
Abdullah Shafique’s 150 gave Pakistan the lead.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 387 in their first innings, with opener Abdullah Shafique scoring a brilliant 150 to give their team a crucial 43-run first innings lead.
However, Pakistan lost wickets quickly in the first session of the third day. Babar Azam was run out for 88. Debutant Azan Zafar then departed without scoring, while Salman Agha also returned to the pavilion for a duck. Pakistan lost three crucial wickets within five runs. Mohammad Rizwan (22 runs) and Sajid Khan (20 runs) then played useful knocks to take the team’s lead to 43 runs.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the most successful bowler for the West Indies, taking 6 wickets for 42 runs. Warrican dismissed Ubaid Shah and Mohammad Ali in consecutive deliveries, though he missed out on a hat-trick. His excellent bowling helped the West Indies prevent Pakistan from taking a large first innings lead.
Brief Scores: West Indies 344 & 103/6 (Kavem Hodge 34; Sajid Khan 4-32, Ali Usman 2-29) lead Pakistan 387 (Abdullah Shafique 160*, Babar Azam 88; Jomel Warrican 6-112) by 60 runs.
For more news & updates, follow The Crichub on Instagram, X and YouTube
