TAROUBA: Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq shared a crucial 155-run partnership as Pakistan recovered from an early setback to reach 199-3 at the close on day two of the first Test against the West Indies, putting the tourists in a strong position despite trailing by 112 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.
The visitors will resume their first innings on day three, trailing by 112 runs, with Shan unbeaten on 88 from 137 deliveries, including 11 fours. Salman Ali Agha was at the other end on nought from nine balls.
Pakistan’s reply got off to the worst possible start when opener Azan Awais was clean bowled by Kemar Roach for a nine-ball duck. Roach produced a superb delivery that crashed into the stumps to hand the hosts an early breakthrough.
The visitors responded impressively as Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood stitched together a fluent 155-run partnership for the second wicket.
Masood eased the pressure by finding the boundary regularly, while Imam provided solid support at the other end as the pair helped Pakistan regain control of the innings.
The left-handed Masood played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s fightback, frustrating the West Indies attack alongside Imam while bringing up his 15th Test half-century.
Resuming after the tea interval, Imam and Shan continued to pile on the runs, extending their partnership beyond 100 as Imam reached his 11th Test half-century.
The pair continued to dominate the bowlers, taking Pakistan’s total and their second-wicket stand past the 150-run mark with a series of well-timed boundaries to put the West Indies under sustained pressure.
However, the 155-run stand was finally broken when Shamar Joseph dismissed Imam for a gritty 63 off 102 deliveries, an innings featuring seven fours, leaving Pakistan on 156-2 in 33.3 overs.
Returning captain Babar Azam then joined Shan at the crease and settled in confidently as the pair added 41 runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking while Pakistan looked to erase the first-innings deficit.
The stand was eventually ended by Jayden Seales, who dismissed Babar for a composed 23 off 38 deliveries, including three fours, reducing Pakistan to 197-3 in 46 overs.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, West Indies were bowled out for 311 in 98.5 overs in their first innings, thanks to fighting half-centuries from Kevlon Hodge and wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope.
However, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali dashed their hopes of posting a commanding total with an outstanding four-wicket haul.
Hope top-scored for the hosts with a fluent 92 off 182 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six, while Hodge made a resilient 84 from 183 balls, including nine fours.
Shamar Joseph also entertained with a quickfire 23 off just 13 deliveries, striking four fours and a six. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo chipped in with 21 runs apiece, while Brandon King made 12 off 29 balls, including one four.
Justin Greaves contributed 15 from 31 deliveries, hitting three fours, while captain Roston Chase added 10 off 19 balls, including two fours.
Ali was the standout performer with figures of 4-50 in 21.5 overs. Mohammad Abbas claimed 3-65, Khurram Shahzad took two wickets, while Aamer Jamal picked up one as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack kept the West Indies batting line-up under constant pressure.
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