Pakistan took total control of the second Test against the West Indies on Tuesday at Port of Spain. Abdullah Shafique first scored 160 not out to put Pakistan in front. Then, off-spinner Sajid Khan dismissed the West Indies batting line-up with four wickets.
At the end of Day 3, the West Indies were struggling at 103 for 6 in their second innings. The home team now leads by only 60 runs with just four wickets remaining.
Sajid Khan Destroys West Indies Top Order
Sajid Khan used the turning pitch at Queen’s Park Oval perfectly to confuse the batters. Consequently, he finished the day with 4 wickets for just 32 runs in 12 overs.
First, Sajid Khan trapped Tagenarine Chanderpaul leg-before-wicket for 17 runs. Chanderpaul could not decide whether to move forward or back, and the ball hit his pads in front of the stumps. Shortly after, Sajid bowled a perfect delivery to dismiss Amir Jangoo for 13.
Meanwhile, Ali Usman supported Sajid from the other end. Usman bowled out Kavem Hodge for 34 when Hodge tried to flick a straight ball but missed. This wicket broke a strong partnership that had nearly broken Pakistan’s small lead.
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Late Wickets Put Pakistan on Verge of Victory
The West Indies were left with Shai Hope and Roston Chase at the crease. However, Sajid Khan struck twice in the final five overs. He first bowled out Shai Hope for 15 with a delivery that stayed low and hit him on the shin.
Immediately after, the West Indies sent Jayden Seales in to protect the remaining batters. This plan failed as Sajid Khan dismissed him for a duck after only two balls. Finally, on the very last ball of the day, Roston Chase chipped a simple catch back to bowler Ali Usman, who finished the day with 2 wickets for 29 runs.
Therefore, Pakistan now needs only four more wickets on Wednesday to win the match. If they succeed, they will achieve their first away Test victory since 2023.
READ MORE: Justin Greaves’ Unbeaten Fifty Steadies West Indies Against Pakistan in Rain-Hit Test
Abdullah Shafique Hits Marathon 160 Not Out
Abdullah Shafique played exceptionally for Pakistan. He scored 160 runs without losing his wicket. Shafique showed great patience and discipline against the West Indies bowlers.
Shafique hit a massive six off Roston Chase to reach his 150-run milestone. Pakistan reached a total of 387 runs in their first innings. This gave Pakistan a 43-run lead over the West Indies’ first-innings total of 344.
However, Pakistan’s middle order struggled to support Shafique. Jomel Warrican took 6 wickets for 112 runs. He eventually bowled out Pakistan’s remaining batsmen by taking three wickets in just four balls.
ALSO READ: West Indies Beat Pakistan by 90 Runs as Jayden Seales Stars With Five-Wicket Haul
Babar Azam Run Out Drama
Babar Azam looked set to score his first Test century in four years on Day 3. Azam played beautifully for his 88 runs, which was his highest score in 35 Test innings.
Azam and Shafique shared a massive partnership of 183 runs for the third wicket. But tragedy struck when Azam tried to run a quick single. Brandon King made a direct hit from the cover position to catch Azam short of his crease. Azam tried to dive back but could not beat the throw.
Azam stayed on the ground for a moment in disappointment before walking off the field. Furthermore, Brandon King injured his back while making that throw and had to leave the field on a stretcher.
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