Pakistan tighten grip against West Indies

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP):

West Indies led Pakistan by 60 runs with only four second-innings wickets in hand yesterday after a dramatic third day of the second Test on a turning pitch.

First, Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 guided Pakistan past West Indies’ first-innings total of 344. Jomel Warrican then took 6-112 as Pakistan were bowled out for 387, restricting the visitors’ lead to 43 runs.

An opening partnership of 40 between Tagenarine Chanderpaul (17) and Kavem Hodge (34) almost wiped out the deficit before Sajid Khan claimed 4-32 and Ali Usman 2-29 to reduce West Indies to 103-6 at stumps and leave Pakistan firmly in control.

Justin Greaves was unbeaten on one at the close.

Sajid first removed Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo (13) before a stubborn partnership between Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase carried West Indies to 99-3, offering hope of reaching stumps with wickets in hand.

That all changed in the final five overs of the day when Sajid trapped Hope lbw for 15 and then dismissed Jayden Seales in identical fashion for a two-ball duck. Chase (17) then fell to the final delivery of the day, losing concentration and offering Usman a simple return catch.

Pakistan now have the opportunity to wrap up the match on today’s fourth day and secure their first Test victory away from home since 2023.

The third day also saw Pakistan captain Babar Azam denied his first Test century in four years when he was run out for 88, ending a 183-run partnership with Shafique.

Pakistan were still 63 runs adrift when Babar was left short of his ground by Brandon King’s direct hit from cover.

The Pakistan batters had been put under pressure by disciplined bowling, and Babar thought he had spotted the chance for a relieving single when he pushed the ball into the off side. Shafique initially responded to the call before sending Babar back as King swooped on the ball.

Babar tried to turn, retreat, and dive for the crease but was beaten by King’s flat throw, which struck the stumps at the striker’s end. The Pakistan captain lay on the ground for some time before slowly rising and leaving the field, showing clear signs of dejection.

His last Test century came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022, and his 88 yesterday was his highest score in 35 innings since then.

To add to the drama, King suffered a lower-back injury and had to be stretchered off after falling awkwardly following his throw that ran out Babar. It remains unclear whether he will bat on the fourth day, but if he does, he could provide a valuable partner for Greaves.

Earlier, Warrican was outstanding with both the old ball and the second new ball. The left-arm spinner had debutant Awais Zafar clean bowled for one when the batter advanced down the pitch for a big shot but completely missed the line of the delivery.

Shamar Joseph then trapped Salman Ali Agha leg before wicket before Warrican claimed his third wicket of the innings after West Indies took the second new ball, bowling Mohammad Rizwan for 18.

Warrican then wrapped up the Pakistan tail with three wickets in four balls.

West Indies lead the two-match series following their 90-run victory in the first Test.