Pakistan’s batting crumbles under West Indies’ spin attack on Day 2

Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled as they faced a tough challenge in the final Test against the West Indies. At the end of day two, Pakistan was in a vulnerable position, chasing 254 runs to win the series.

The West Indies bowlers took control early, reducing Pakistan to 5/2 within the first three overs. Shan Masood and Mohammad Hurraira were both dismissed cheaply, with each managing just two runs. Kevin Sinclair took Masood’s wicket, while Gudakesh Motie sent Hurraira back to the pavilion.

Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam tried to steady the ship, building a 43-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Jomel Warrican broke through, dismissing Ghulam for 19. Pakistan found themselves at 48/3, with pressure mounting on the remaining batsmen.

Just before stumps, Sinclair returned to remove Babar Azam for 31. This left Pakistan struggling at 76/4 after 24 overs, with the target now set at 178 more runs to win. The West Indies bowlers had the upper hand and were well-positioned to take control of the match.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s spinners had dominated West Indies’ second innings, dismissing them for 244. Despite some good batting performances from the West Indies, Pakistan's bowlers, especially the spinners, kept the target manageable.

The West Indies had started their second innings confidently, putting on a 50-run opening partnership. However, Pakistan’s Noman Ali struck in the 12th over, removing Mikyle Louis for just seven runs. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite fought hard, scoring a resilient 52, but Noman dismissed him in the 23rd over, leaving the visitors at 92/2.

Amir Jangoo and Kavem Hodge tried to rebuild the innings, but Pakistan’s Sajid Khan broke through by dismissing Jangoo for 30. Noman followed up with his third wicket, getting rid of Hodge for 15. The West Indies were reduced to 124/4.

Pakistan continued their pressure before lunch, with Noman taking another wicket to send Alick Athanaze back for just six. By then, the West Indies were at 129/5, holding a lead of just 138 runs. 

After the break, Pakistan’s bowlers kept dominating. Abrar Ahmed claimed his first wicket, removing Justin Greaves for 10. The West Indies lower order fought back, with Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair adding a valuable 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, Pakistan’s Sajid Khan dismissed Sinclair for 28, and pacer Kashif Khan sent Imlach back for 35, reducing the West Indies to 206/8.

Warrican and Motie showed some resistance, putting on a 27-run partnership, but Motie was dismissed for 18. The West Indies were all out for 244 in 66.1 overs. Pakistan’s spinners, Noman and Sajid, each took four wickets, while Kashif and Abrar claimed one wicket each.

As Pakistan resumes their chase tomorrow, they will need 178 more runs to win the series with six wickets remaining.

Teams:

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

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican