TRINIDAD: Pakistan seized control of the second and final Pakistan vs West Indies Test as their spin attack reduced the hosts to 103 for six at stumps on the third day. Chasing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 387, the West Indies finished with a lead of only 60 runs, leaving the visitors in a strong position to level the series.
Abdullah Shafique laid the foundation with a magnificent unbeaten 160 before Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sajid Khan, dominated the final session on a deteriorating pitch offering sharp turn and uneven bounce.
Abdullah Shafique Anchors Pakistan Innings
Pakistan resumed the day at 266 for two, appearing well placed to build a substantial first-innings lead over the West Indies’ total of 344.
However, the innings lost momentum after captain Babar Azam was run out for 88 following a misunderstanding with Abdullah Shafique. Attempting a single that was never available, Babar was caught short of his crease after Brandon King produced a direct hit from point.
King’s dismissal of Babar came at a cost. The West Indies opener suffered back spasms during the fielding effort and, after receiving treatment on the field, was stretchered off. His availability to bat later in the match remains uncertain.
Pakistan then suffered a collapse, losing eight wickets for 106 runs. Despite the setback, Abdullah Shafique remained composed throughout his marathon innings.
The opener batted for more than seven and a half hours, facing 323 deliveries and striking 15 boundaries and three sixes to finish unbeaten on 160.
Sajid Khan contributed a valuable 30 runs in a 59-run partnership with Shafique for the seventh wicket before Jayden Seales dismissed him.
West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican produced an outstanding spell, claiming six wickets for 112 runs. He wrapped up Pakistan’s innings with three wickets in four deliveries shortly before tea.
Pakistan Spinners Dominate West Indies
The Pakistan vs West Indies contest shifted dramatically after Pakistan took the field with the ball.
Sajid Khan tore through the West Indies batting order, removing Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo early before adding Shai Hope and nightwatchman Jayden Seales to complete an impressive four-wicket haul.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman also made important breakthroughs. He dismissed Kavem Hodge, whose 34 was the highest score among the recognised batters, before trapping West Indies captain Roston Chase with the final delivery of the day, taking a sharp return catch.
Justin Greaves, who top-scored in the hosts’ first innings, remained unbeaten at stumps and will lead the resistance on the fourth morning.
Warrican Shines Despite Pakistan’s Strong Position
Although Pakistan ended the day firmly in command, West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul praised Jomel Warrican’s performance.
He said the left-arm spinner had executed his plans effectively by maintaining pressure and finishing the innings strongly.
Rampaul added that if the West Indies could extend their lead to around 150 runs, they would still have a realistic chance of winning the match despite Pakistan’s advantage.
With the pitch continuing to deteriorate and assisting spin, the Pakistan vs West Indies Test appears to be moving decisively in the visitors’ favour. Pakistan now need only a modest chase if their bowlers can quickly wrap up the remaining West Indies wickets on the fourth day.
