Pakistan takes control with 200+ lead as West Indies crumble in spin onslaught

Pakistan ended the second day of the ongoing Test match with a commanding 202-run lead, putting them in a strong position to push for victory. The day saw 19 wickets fall, with Pakistan's spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan playing a key role in reducing the West Indies to just 137 in their first innings, in less than a session.

Pakistan had earlier posted 230 in their first innings, thanks to a solid 141-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71). However, after their dismissal, Pakistan suffered a collapse. Despite the setback, the team found some resistance lower down the order, with Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad adding crucial runs before Pakistan were bowled out just before lunch.

In reply, the West Indies were torn apart by Pakistan’s spin duo. Sajid Khan was the first to strike, dismissing Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty in successive deliveries. By the end of his third over, Sajid had taken four wickets, as the West Indies struggled to cope with the turning pitch. Noman Ali, meanwhile, was getting sharp turn, and his breakthrough came when he bowled Justin Greaves.

As the innings continued, the West Indies batsmen started to take more risks, trying to score some quick runs. However, their efforts were largely in vain, as several batsmen dragged balls onto their stumps. The last two partnerships, including a counterattacking stand between Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales, added 71 runs for the final two wickets, including some big hits off the spinners. Pakistan had to bring on Abrar Ahmed to break the partnership, which he did by dismissing Seales. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 137.

In Pakistan’s second innings, they continued their dominance. Shan Masood played an aggressive knock, scoring a half-century and taking the lead past 200 runs. Mohammad Hurraira supported him well, and the pair extended the advantage as Pakistan reached 109 for 3 by the end of the day.

The West Indies had their moments, with Seales and Warrican trying to break through, but Masood’s proactive batting kept them at bay. Warrican, who had been dangerous with his spin, picked up two wickets but was unlucky not to take more.

Earlier, in the morning, West Indies had looked promising as they took four quick wickets for just 13 runs, breaking the partnership between Shakeel and Rizwan. Shakeel, who was nearing his fifth Test century, fell to Kevin Sinclair. Pakistan’s resistance faltered soon after, with a mix-up between Rizwan and Noman Ali leading to the former’s run-out. Rizwan’s dismissal for 71 further fueled the collapse, leaving Pakistan in trouble. It was only the late contributions from Sajid and Shahzad that pushed Pakistan’s total past 200.

As the day ended, Pakistan had a 202-run lead, with seven wickets still in hand. The match remains in their favor, but the West Indies will need to come up with a strong performance to turn things around on day three.
 

Teams:

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.  

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kavem Hodge, Kevin Sinclair, Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.