Nine wickets were shared by Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali during the day, which saw 19 wickets fall.
Pakistan is in a strong position to fight for victory after finishing the second day of the ongoing Test match with a dominating 202-run lead. Pakistan’s spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were instrumental in bringing the West Indies down to 137 in their first innings in less than a session, with 19 wickets falling during the day.
Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71) had previously put up a strong 141-run partnership to help Pakistan reach 230 in their opening innings. However, Pakistan collapsed following their dismissal. Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad added vital runs before Pakistan was bowled out shortly.
Pakistan’s spin attack responded by tearing apart the West Indies. Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty were both dismissed in consecutive deliveries by Sajid Khan, who was the first to strike. As the West Indies found it difficult to adjust to the turning pitch, Sajid claimed four wickets by the conclusion of his third over. In contrast, Noman Ali was gaining quick turn, and it was when he bowled Justin Greaves that he made his breakthrough.
The West Indies batters began to take more chances as the innings went on in an attempt to get some runs quickly. However, a number of batters dragged balls onto their stumps, meaning that their efforts were mainly in vain. With some significant hits from the spinners, the final two partnerships—including a counter attacking partnership between Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican—added 71 runs for the final two wickets. Abrar Ahmed had to be brought in by Pakistan to end the partnership, and he did so by removing Seales. In the end, the West Indies were bowled out for 137.
Pakistan maintained their supremacy in the second innings. Shan Masood scored a half-century and put the lead beyond 200 runs with an aggressive knock. He received strong support from Mohammad Hurraira, and the two increased the lead as Pakistan finished the day at 109 for 3.
Seales and Warrican attempted to make an impact during the West Indies’ brief periods, but Masood’s aggressive batting held them at bay. Despite taking two wickets, Warrican, who had been dangerous with his spin, was unfortunate not to take more.
West Indies had looked promising earlier in the morning when they broke the partnership between Shakeel and Rizwan by taking four quick wickets for just 13 runs. Kevin Sinclair overcame Shakeel, who was getting close to his fifth Test century. Soon after, Pakistan’s resistance broke down, and Rizwan was run out due to a misunderstanding with Noman Ali. The collapse was exacerbated by Rizwan’s dismissal for 71, which put Pakistan in jeopardy. Only Sajid and Shahzad’s late contributions allowed Pakistan’s total to surpass 200.
With seven wickets remaining, Pakistan led by 202 runs at the end of the day. Although the match is still in their advantage, the West Indies will need to put up a good show on day three to change the tide.
