TRINIDAD : Pakistan moved into a commanding position in the second and final Test against West Indies after their spinners reduced the hosts to 103-6 in the second innings at stumps on day three, leaving the home side with a lead of just 60 runs.
The match swung sharply in Pakistan’s favour after West Indies had threatened to take control by triggering a batting collapse in the visitors’ first innings. Sajid Khan and Ali Usman exploited the wearing surface to dismantle the hosts’ top order and leave Pakistan well placed to level the two-match series.
Pakistan resumed with Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam firmly set before Babar’s innings ended on 88 when Brandon King produced a direct-hit run-out.
Jomel Warrican then sparked a collapse, removing Azan Awais, Mohammad Rizwan and the lower order to finish with figures of 6-85.
Shafique remained resolute throughout, scoring 157 as Pakistan were bowled out for 387 to secure a first-innings lead of 43 runs.
West Indies wiped out the deficit through their opening stand before Pakistan’s spinners turned the contest.
Sajid struck first by trapping Tagenarine Chanderpaul lbw before bowling Amir Jangoo with a sharply turning delivery. Ali Usman then dismissed Kavem Hodge with a straight ball that beat his attempted flick.
Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase offered brief resistance, but Sajid trapped Hope lbw before dismissing nightwatchman Jayden Seales two deliveries later. Ali Usman capped Pakistan’s dominant finish by catching and bowling Chase with the final ball of the day.
Earlier, King suffered a back spasm after his run-out of Babar and did not bat, forcing West Indies to reshuffle their batting order.
With only Justin Greaves remaining among the recognised batters and the pitch offering increasing assistance to spin, Pakistan will begin day four as overwhelming favourites to wrap up victory and square the two-Test series.
