West Indies vs Pakistan PAK in WI, 2 Tests, 2026, Full Score Card
1st Test, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, 25 Jul, 2026
West Indies
WI
311/10
&
181/10
(54.5) ov
Pakistan
PAK
282/10
&
120/10
(40.2) ov
West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs
Player Of The Match
Justin Greaves,
West Indies
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Awais c S Hope b J Seales |
3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21.42 |
Imam c S Hope b K Roach |
3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 37.50 |
B Azam not out | 58 | 107 | 9 | 0 | 54.20 |
S Agha lbw b J Seales |
0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Rizwan b J Greaves |
11 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 39.28 |
A Jamal lbw b J Greaves |
0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A Usman c J Greaves b K Roach |
2 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 18.18 |
S Masood c S Joseph b J Seales |
3 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
K Shahzad b J Seales |
4 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 44.44 |
M Ali c J Greaves b S Joseph |
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Abbas lbw b J Seales |
23 | 33 | 4 | 0 | 69.69 |
|
Extras
(b 0,lb 9,w 0,nb 4,Penalty 0) |
13 | ||||
|
Total
40.2 (RR: 2.98)
|
120/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(Imam, 2.2 ov) (A Awais, 5.1 ov) (S Agha, 7.1 ov) (M Rizwan, 15.1 ov) (A Jamal, 17.5 ov) (A Usman, 20.5 ov) (S Masood, 25.5 ov) (K Shahzad, 27.4 ov) (M Ali, 28.2 ov) (M Abbas, 40.2 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K Roach |
8 | 2 | 27 | 2 | 3.37 |
J Seales |
14.2 | 6 | 20 | 5 | 1.39 |
S Joseph |
10 | 0 | 44 | 1 | 4.40 |
J Greaves |
5 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 2.40 |
J Warrican |
2 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 3.00 |
K Hodge |
1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T Chanderpaul c A Usman b A Jamal |
35 | 101 | 5 | 0 | 34.65 |
B King c M Rizwan b M Abbas |
5 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 41.66 |
K Hodge c M Rizwan b M Abbas |
0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A Jangoo c & b M Ali |
4 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 19.04 |
S Hope b K Shahzad |
10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 125 |
J Greaves c B Azam b M Abbas |
20 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 45.45 |
R Chase c M Rizwan b K Shahzad |
8 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 28.57 |
K Roach c B Azam b M Abbas |
18 | 63 | 2 | 0 | 28.57 |
S Joseph b M Ali |
38 | 27 | 1 | 4 | 140.74 |
J Warrican b M Abbas |
14 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 70 |
J Seales not out | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
|
Extras
(b 8,lb 6,w 1,nb 8,Penalty 0) |
23 | ||||
|
Total
54.5 (RR: 3.30)
|
181/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(B King, 4.1 ov) (K Hodge, 4.4 ov) (A Jangoo, 13.1 ov) (S Hope, 16.2 ov) (T Chanderpaul, 27.5 ov) (J Greaves, 32.5 ov) (R Chase, 38.2 ov) (S Joseph, 47.3 ov) (K Roach, 52.1 ov) (J Warrican, 54.5 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M Abbas |
15.5 | 6 | 22 | 5 | 1.38 |
K Shahzad |
15 | 2 | 54 | 2 | 3.60 |
M Ali |
14 | 1 | 52 | 2 | 3.71 |
A Jamal |
10 | 2 | 39 | 1 | 3.90 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A Awais b K Roach |
0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Imam c J Greaves b S Joseph |
63 | 102 | 7 | 0 | 61.76 |
S Masood b J Greaves |
109 | 184 | 12 | 0 | 59.23 |
B Azam c S Hope b J Seales |
23 | 38 | 3 | 0 | 60.52 |
S Agha b S Joseph |
20 | 60 | 3 | 0 | 33.33 |
M Rizwan c S Hope b J Greaves |
12 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 70.58 |
A Jamal b J Greaves |
3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
A Usman lbw b J Greaves |
0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
K Shahzad c S Hope b K Roach |
19 | 36 | 2 | 1 | 52.77 |
M Abbas c S Hope b J Greaves |
0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
M Ali not out | 2 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
|
Extras
(b 4,lb 17,w 0,nb 10,Penalty 0) |
31 | ||||
|
Total
80.1 (RR: 3.52)
|
282/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(A Awais, 2.2 ov) (Imam, 33.3 ov) (B Azam, 46 ov) (S Agha, 63 ov) (S Masood, 64 ov) (A Jamal, 65.2 ov) (A Usman, 67.3 ov) (M Rizwan, 69.4 ov) (M Abbas, 72 ov) (K Shahzad, 80.1 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K Roach |
15.1 | 2 | 53 | 2 | 3.49 |
J Seales |
22 | 5 | 73 | 1 | 3.31 |
S Joseph |
16 | 2 | 58 | 2 | 3.62 |
J Greaves |
11 | 6 | 27 | 5 | 2.45 |
J Warrican |
16 | 1 | 50 | 0 | 3.12 |
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T Chanderpaul c S Agha b A Jamal |
21 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 27.27 |
B King b M Abbas |
12 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 41.37 |
K Hodge c S Agha b K Shahzad |
84 | 183 | 9 | 0 | 45.90 |
A Jangoo lbw b M Abbas |
21 | 32 | 2 | 1 | 65.62 |
S Hope lbw b M Ali |
92 | 182 | 6 | 1 | 50.54 |
J Greaves c S Agha b M Ali |
15 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 48.38 |
R Chase c M Rizwan b M Abbas |
10 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 52.63 |
K Roach c B Azam b K Shahzad |
3 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 10.34 |
S Joseph c S Agha b M Ali |
23 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 176.92 |
J Warrican not out | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.66 |
J Seales b M Ali |
0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Extras
(b 10,lb 6,w 3,nb 10,Penalty 0) |
29 | ||||
|
Total
98.5 (RR: 3.15)
|
311/10 |
Did not bat:
Fall of wickets:
(B King, 8.2 ov) (T Chanderpaul, 25.5 ov) (A Jangoo, 36.3 ov) (K Hodge, 69.1 ov) (J Greaves, 79 ov) (R Chase, 86 ov) (K Roach, 92.5 ov) (S Joseph, 96.2 ov) (S Hope, 98.3 ov) (J Seales, 98.5 ov)| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M Abbas |
26 | 6 | 63 | 3 | 2.42 |
K Shahzad |
23 | 5 | 66 | 2 | 2.86 |
M Ali |
21.5 | 5 | 50 | 4 | 2.29 |
A Usman |
13 | 1 | 35 | 0 | 2.69 |
A Jamal |
15 | 1 | 81 | 1 | 5.40 |
Pakistan • 120/10 (40.2 overs)
B Azam 58 (107)
M Abbas 23 (33)
J Seales 5/20 (14.2)
J Greaves 2/12 (5)
West Indies • 181/10 (54.5 overs)
S Joseph 38 (27)
T Chanderpaul 35 (101)
M Abbas 5/22 (15.5)
K Shahzad 2/54 (15)
Pakistan • 282/10 (80.1 overs)
S Masood 109 (184)
Imam 63 (102)
J Greaves 5/27 (11)
K Roach 2/53 (15.1)
West Indies • 311/10 (98.5 overs)
S Hope 92 (182)
K Hodge 84 (183)
M Ali 4/50 (21.5)
M Abbas 3/63 (26)
Commentary
We are back for the final innings of this test match. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq open up for Pakistan. Kemar Roach has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
... FOURTH INNINGS ...
The late counter-attack - Lower-order batter Shamar Joseph provided a thrilling spark, taking a liking to Jamal and launching sixes to push the West Indies to 126/7 by the end of the day. Resuming on Day 4, Joseph’s entertaining 38-run cameo came to an end, and Kemar Roach quickly followed as the hosts were finally bundled out for 181, setting Pakistan a target of 211 to chase. Mohammad Abbas finished as the pick of the bowlers with an impressive five-wicket haul, while Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali chipped in with two wickets each to put Pakistan firmly in the driver's seat.
The middle-order collapse - The post-Tea session of Day 3 brought more chaos as Shai Hope attempted an ambitious slog, only to be castled by Khurram Shahzad. Chanderpaul continued to fight with immense discipline alongside Justin Greaves, but just as the stand began to bloom, Chanderpaul fell to Aamir Jamal. Abbas then returned to dismiss Greaves, courtesy of a spectacular diving catch by skipper Babar Azam, before Shahzad got Roston Chase caught behind to leave the hosts in dire straits at 93/7.
West Indies lead by 210 runs - West Indies needed a strong start to capitalize on their slender lead, but Mohammad Abbas struck early blows that blew the innings wide open. Abbas removed Brandon King for another low score and followed up three balls later by removing Kavem Hodge for a duck. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo momentarily steadied the ship with a patient mini-partnership, but right on the stroke of Tea on Day 3, Mohammad Ali plucked a stunning catch to dismiss Jangoo and leave the Windies reeling at 28/3.
OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Mohammad Abbas. He completes his five-wicket haul as well. Hard length, on off, shaping in. Jomel Warrican stays back and looks to block it, but the ball goes through his bat and his pad and hits the top of middle. West Indies have been bowled out for 181 runs. They have a lead of 210 runs.
FOUR! Streaky from Jomel Warrican! Full and outside off, Jomel Warrican stays back and looks to block it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball races through backward point for a boundary.
Mohammad Rizwan comes up to the stumps now to keep Jomel Warrican inside the crease.
Nice and full, on middle, Jomel Warrican digs it back to the bowler.
Shaping away, on off, Jomel Warrican punches it to cover.
Angling in, on off, Jomel Warrican blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 177/9
J Seales6 (10)
J Warrican10 (15)
M Ali14-1-52-2
Short and wide, Jayden Seales shoulders arms at it.
Back of a length, on middle and leg. Jayden Seales walks down the track and looks to pull it away, but misses the connection and hits the left left bicep.
Full, on middle and leg, Jomel Warrican flicks it to backward square leg and gets a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Jomel Warrican makes a leave.
NO BALL! Ali oversteps, and with that bonus run, it will make four in total. Fullish, outside off, Jayden Seales drives it from the outer half of his bat. The ball beats the backward point fielder to his right, but Sajid Khan backtracks, runs all the way and dives to flick it, just before it touches the boundary ropes. The batter runs three.
Back of a length, on middle, Jayden Seales dabs it to mid-wicket.
Full, on off, Seales blocks it out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 172/9
J Seales3 (5)
J Warrican9 (13)
M Abbas15-6-18-4
With those three runs, the lead is now 201! Pitches it up, does Abbas, shaping in, on off and middle, Jayden Seales nudges it toward the vacant square leg region. Sajid Khan charges from the deep and has a shy at the bowler's end, but the backup is way far from the wickets. The batter gets another run and gets three in total.
A touch fuller, on off, Jayden Seales knocks it to mid off.
Fuller, on off, Jayden Seales defends it down.
On a length, outside off, Jayden Seales offers a straight bat but it zips past the outside edge.
Much fuller, on middle, Jayden Seales digs it out.
Jayden Seales is the last man batter.
OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammad Abbas gets his fourth wicket and he sends off Kemar Roach with a daring pace bowler's stare. A touch fuller in length, outside off, a bit slower as well. Kemar Roach gets on his front foot and tries to drive it, but mistimes it and chips it to Babar Azam in the cover region, who makes no mistake in scooping that dolly. Pakistan are one wicket away to get onto bat.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 169/8
J Warrican9 (13)
K Roach18 (62)
M Ali13-1-47-2
Full, on off, defended by Jomel Warrican.
Back of a length, well outside off, Jomel Warrican is happy to let it pass through.
SIX! Some lucky runs for Jomel Warrican. Short of a length, outside off. Jomel Warrican gets on his toes and looks to pull it across the line, but catches the top edge. The ball skies up high and flies over the deep fine leg region for half a dozen.
Full, on off, Jomel Warrican defends it solidly to cover.
Hard length, down the leg side, Jomel Warrican fails to connect his flick.
Commentary
We are back for the West Indies' second batting innings! Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul will open the innings for the Windies. Mohammad Abbas will start with the proceedings, with two slips and a gully in place. Away we go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
Windies gaining back their control - Masood has carried his good form into Day 3, closing in on a well-deserved century as Pakistan push to overhaul the deficit, with Salman Ali Agha giving him steady support at the other end. The first hour of the morning session on Day 3 was clearly going in favour of the visitors, but things switched very quickly after Shamar Joseph found the breakthrough by eliminating Agha. That incident really shook Pakistan, as wickets were falling one after the other like dominoes. Just before the lunch break, West Indies managed to pick up eight wickets. It took around 50 minutes for the bowlers to find the last two wickets, but they were able to pull it off before it got too late. Pakistan trail by 29 runs, and the West Indies have a good advantage to capitalize on it.
The sturdy top order - Pakistan have batted with real authority, anchored by a superb innings from Shan Masood. After a shaky start that saw them lose their first wicket for just 1 run, openers Imam-ul-Haq and Masood rebuilt the innings with a commanding 155-run second-wicket stand. Imam contributed a fluent 63 off 102 balls before falling to Shamar Joseph late on Day 2, while Masood rode his luck, surviving a dropped chance and a tight lbw shout, to bat through with real composure. Babar Azam fell soon after for 23, leaving Pakistan 199 for 3 at the close of Day 2, still 112 runs adrift.
The stadium is up on their feet - The round of applause for Justin Greaves, not only for picking the FIVE-FER, but also for his best bowling figures in Test cricket. Certainly a day to remember for the 32-year-old. He takes his hat and glasses off and raises the ball while walking to his pavilion.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The second new ball does the trick right away. Kemar Roach scoots from over the wicket and bowls just behind the back of the good length, angling in, but nipping it away late from the batter. Khurram Shahzad makes room and looks to heave it across the line, but gets nicked on the outside edge. Shai Hope shuffles to his left following the angle of the ball, but adjusts really well to leap to his right and pouches the catch into his gloves. Pakistan ended up putting 282 runs on the board, trailing by 29 runs.
West Indies can opt for the second new ball, and they are taking it straight away.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 282/9
M Ali2 (25)
K Shahzad19 (35)
J Seales22-5-73-1
Full, on off, defended by Ali.
Much fuller, swinging in, Mohammad Ali gets beaten on the inside edge while performing the defense and gets pinged on the pad.
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Ali defends it to the off side.
A tad fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad goes for a wild swing and connects the inner part of his bat to deep square leg for one.
Beaten! Good-length delivery, outside off, Khurram Shahzad looks to defend it away from his body and misses the outside edge.
Back of a length, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad misses on his poke.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 281/9
M Ali2 (22)
K Shahzad18 (32)
J Warrican16-1-50-0
Floated and fuller, on off, Mohammad Ali blocks it down.
A touch shorter, outside off, Mohammad Ali fends it out.
Short, angling down the leg side, Ali misses his clip.
Fullish, around middle, Khurram Shahzad knocks it to long on and gets a single. Pakistan trail by 30 runs!
Flighted and fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it back to the bowler.
A touch fuller, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad defends it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 280/9
M Ali2 (19)
K Shahzad17 (29)
J Seales21-5-72-1
A touch fuller, outside off, Mohammad Ali keeps it out.
Bends his back and bashes onto the length, does Seales, on a good length. Mohammad Ali leaps and bunts it down the track.
A touch fuller, around off, but the ball stays low yet again. Mohammad Ali defends it from the toe end of the bat.
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Ali dabs it to cover.
On the fuller side, on off, Mohammad Ali pushes it to cover, wanting a single, but Khurram Shahzad yet again rejects the call. Ali is getting a bit annoyed now.
Pitching it slightly behind the good length, angling in, around leg. Mohammad Ali hops to tuck it but the ball stays low after pitching and hits the pad.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 280/9
K Shahzad17 (29)
M Ali2 (13)
J Warrican15-1-49-0
Full, on off, Shahzad rests it down.
Flighted and fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad drives it gently to cover.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad defends it down.
Tossed up, fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad eases it to the left of the bowler.
Short, outside off, Khurram Shahzad slaps it to cover.
Commentary
Welcome back for Pakistan's reply. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais open up for Pakistan. They will try to build a gritty stand. Kemar Roach has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Four slips in place. Let's play...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
Hot and cold bowling - Pakistan's bowling had its highs and lows. There was enough assistance on offer, but the lack of an express pace option hurt them at times. Their quicks relied heavily on disciplined line and length, and once the ball lost its shine, wickets became much harder to come by. The West Indian batters made them work for every breakthrough. That said, Pakistan were far more impressive this morning. Barring the brief Shamar Joseph blitz, they stayed in control and wrapped things up efficiently. Abbas claimed three wickets, Mohammad Ali finished with four, while Shahzad chipped in with two. A satisfying effort with the ball for the tourists in the end. Now, it is up to the batters to make it count.
Summing up the West Indian innings - It was a bit of a topsy-turvy one. Almost every batter got a start, but it was Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope who truly stitched the innings together. Their composed knocks steadied the ship, kept Pakistan at bay, and their crucial partnership took the sting out of the visitors' attack on a truncated Day 1.
Formidable total - A total of 311 still looks like a formidable one on this surface. There has been enough lateral movement on offer, and with a quality West Indies pace attack ready to pounce, Pakistan know they have a stern examination ahead. The new ball will be the biggest challenge, with the Caribbean quicks expected to crank up the pace and make full use of the movement and bounce on offer. The visitors will need to be at their watchful best.
Superlative comeback! Just 8 runs and 3 wickets in 2.5 overs after Lunch, and Pakistan have stormed right back into the contest. There was the looming threat of Shamar Joseph when the teams broke for Lunch, but Pakistan could not have scripted a better response. Mohammad Ali came out breathing fire, wrapped up the tail in no time, and completed the job for his side. Pakistan head back to the pavilion with smiles all around.
OUT! BOWLED! Mohammad Ali wraps up the innings in style and completes a superb four-wicket haul. He pitches it up on off with a hint of shape back in. Seales looks to defend but leaves a sizeable gap between bat and pad. That's all the invitation the ball needs as it sneaks through and sends the off stump cartwheeling. West Indies are bowled out for 311, and Pakistan finish the innings on a high.
Fuller and around leg, Seales tries to flick but misses.
Jayden Seales is the number 11 batter.
OUT! LBW! Mohammad Ali produces a beauty and Pakistan have a massive breakthrough. He lands it on a good length around off and gets it to jag back sharply. Shai Hope plants his front foot without getting fully forward, looks to defend, but is beaten on the inside edge and struck flush on the front pad. Pakistan appeal confidently and the finger goes up. Hope reviews immediately. UltraEdge shows nothing. Ball Tracking has it crashing into the stumps. Heartbreak for Hope, who falls just eight runs short of a well-deserved century.
Ali targets the off stump with a length ball, Shai covers the line and defends it watchfully. Remains on 92.
Back of a length, around off and staying low, Hope does well to crouch a bit as he blocks it to the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 98 overs : 311/8
J Warrican1 (6)
S Hope92 (179)
A Usman13-1-35-0
Full and floated, on off, Jomel draws forward and defends it safely.
FOUR BYES! A bonus for West Indies. Fired in flatter on middle, the ball skids down the leg side. Jomel has a swipe at the flick but fails to make contact. It beats his pads, evades the keeper as well, and races away to the fine leg fence for four byes.
Nice loop on this one, full and drifting around off, Jomel Warrican strides forward and blocks.
Ali pulls his length back a bit, around off, Hope goes on the back foot and punches it to long on for a run.
Loopy and full, landing on middle, Shai is on the front foot in defense.
Flighted and on middle, Hope works it off his pads to short leg.
First sign of spin on Day 2. It's Ali Usman. 12-0-34-0.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 97 overs : 306/8
J Warrican1 (3)
S Hope91 (176)
M Ali21-5-50-2
Angles in a length ball on middle, Jomel tickles it off his pads but finds square leg.
Sharp bouncer around off at 133 clicks, Jomel Warrican immediately ducks.
Shortish and on off, Hope steers it through covers for a run. Moves to 91.
Full and sliding down the leg side, it's nudged down to fine leg for one.
Jomel Warrican joins his skipper in the middle.
OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan have the perfect start after Lunch, and it's the end of an entertaining cameo from Shamar Joseph. Mohammad Ali bangs it in short on the leg-stump line, cramping the batter for room. Joseph goes for the pull but only manages a glove through to the slip cordon. The ball lobs gently to Salman Agha at first slip, who completes a straightforward catch. A huge relief for Pakistan as Joseph departs immediately after the break, with West Indies now 304/8.
Shortish and around middle and leg, Hope works it through square leg and begins this session with a run.
We're back for the afternoon session! The morning ended on an electrifying note, courtesy of Shamar Joseph's fearless counterattack. Pakistan will know they need his wicket quickly because another half an hour of this carnage, and West Indies could race to 350 or even 375 before you know it. The weather has behaved so far, the sun continues to shine, and there is no immediate threat of rain, at least for now. Mohammad Ali, who bowled a marathon spell in the first session, returns to bowl after the break. 1/47 from his 20 overs.
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Water on the efforts? One bad moment does not make the whole session poor for Pakistan. Make no mistake, they were superb this morning, with the exception of Aamer Jamal who just could not bowl two balls in the same area. But picking up 4 wickets for 109 runs in 29 overs is definitely a session to be proud of. Just that they were hit by a tsunami called Shamar Joseph and in a sense, it is good for them that the break came now. They get some time to reflect on the good work done for over 2 hours in the extended session and come back out firing post Lunch and wrap this up. West Indies, on the other hand, might already believe that they have got enough runs on this deck. Their own fast bowlers would be eager to go on this pitch with so much lateral movement available. Add to it, another 50-odd runs would be a bonus. What is not desirable by anyone would be - the initial forecast - which suggests for thunderstorms later this afternoon. Let's hope that play resumes on time at 4.40 pm GMT and the conditions stay the same till the end of the day.
The warrior - This morning, before play, Floyd Reifer, West Indies' batting coach, informed us that Shai Hope is battling a shoulder injury but also predicted that if he manages to play out the opening hour, he will get a century. Hope nearly failed that prediction as he nicked one off Ali after getting to 50 but luck seems to be on his side. He has batted the whole of the morning session, reaching 89 and on the cusp of back-to-back centuries in Test cricket. Hope absorbed the pressure and has shown excellent fortitude. Even now, he has shown great trust in his batting partners, not ready to go all out yet. The longer he stays, not only will the hosts improve their chances of reaching 350, but the bowlers of Pakistan will start tiring out as well.
Commentary
Dropping down the curtains - Right then, that is it from this Test match. Pakistan lost their eighth consecutive test match. West Indies lead the series, and they will be looking forward to get the glory by winning the second as well. The next encounter between these two giants will be on 2nd of August, Sunday. The first ball will be bowled at 2 pm GMT, but as always, you can join us early for the buildup. Till then, it's a goodbye from the commentary box. Cheers!
The victorious captain of West Indies - Roston Chase says that this is a great feeling and that their team played really well. He reckons that the efforts from their bowlers were excellent and they showed patience. He mentions that he loves how the team is working and everyone contributes in their own ways. He ends by saying that it also feels good to get an extra day's rest.
The skipper of Pakistan - Babar Azam starts off by saying that they played really well in the last couple of days, but they needed some better batting from his unit. About the surface, Babar says that it was good to bat on. The new ball was moving very well, but as it got older, it became easier to build a partnership. On Shan Masood's finger injury, Babar lamented that losing him was unfortunate for the team and acknowledged that they certainly missed his presence on the field. He then explained that regardless of such setbacks, surviving the early overs against the new ball and building partnerships can put a team in a strong position, though he admitted they failed to execute that strategy. Looking ahead to turning things around in the next Test match, he stated that the team will gather to analyze their mistakes and pinpoint where things went wrong.
Player of the Match - Justin Greaves is the Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the second innings and a couple of wickets in the fourth innings. He says that he always gives his best for the team and he is happy to be on the winning side. He reckons that their plan was to bowl with discipline and says that targeting the stumps worked well for them. He ends by saying that they will try to carry on with the same momentum in their next game as well.
Time for the presentaton ceremony...
The lone wolf for the visitors - Despite losing six wickets, the only hope that Pakistan still had is Babar Azam. He watched the wickets fall from one end and but still didn't lose any confidence on his strokes. After the fall of the sixth wicket, Shan Masood couldn't much helped with his fractured finger. Mohammad Ali and Shahzad stepped in and out with just 71 runs on the board. However, Abbas played some handy shots as well to trigger the scoreline, but the difference between them and the Windies was 90 runs. Jayden Seales was pick of the bowlers in the fourth inning, picking up five wickets and dismantling the opposition.
The top order struggles for Pakistan - What was expected to be a measured fourth-innings chase turned into an outright nightmare for Pakistan as the West Indies pacers unleashed absolute carnage. Kemar Roach struck early to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq, before Jayden Seales trapped both Azan Awais and Salman Ali Agha to leave the visitors trembling at 25/3. After Lunch, Justin Greaves joined the demolition derby, cleaning up Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal in quick succession, before Roach returned to dismiss Ali Usman as Pakistan reeled at a dismal 53/6.
The tailenders counter-attack - Carrying momentum into their second turn at bat, West Indies immediately ran into a Mohammad Abbas storm as the veteran pacer tore through the top order with a lethal 5 for 22, leaving the hosts gasping at 93/7. Just when Pakistan smelled a total blowout, the Windies tail refused to wave the white flag. Kemar Roach and a fearless Shamar Joseph launched a roaring 61-run stand, with Joseph smashing four huge sixes in a quickfire 38. Their lower-order fightback dragged West Indies to 181, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 211 runs on a tricky, wearing pitch.
Masood’s masterclass - Pakistan’s reply started on a shaky note as Kemar Roach removed Azan Awais for a duck, but Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq completely flipped the script with a magnificent 155-run stand. Masood played a masterpiece of an innings, storming to a sensational 109, while Imam anchored with a smooth 63 to put Pakistan in total control at 199 for 3 by Day 2's close. However, Day 3 brought a nightmare collapse sparked by Justin Greaves, who produced a mind-boggling spell of 5 for 27. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 38 runs to fold for 282, handing West Indies a surprising 29-run lead.
West Indies dig deep - The Test kicked off under gloomy Tarouba skies with Pakistan’s relentless pacers making the new ball talk, but West Indies showed tremendous grit to post a competitive 311. Brandon King fell early, yet Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope, scoring 84 and 92, respectively, to lead a gutsy recovery, constructing crucial partnerships to steady the ship. Pakistan’s seam trio hunted in a pack, with Mohammad Ali snagging four wickets and Mohammad Abbas breaking through at key moments. Even when rain and bad light repeatedly halted play, the hosts refused to surrender, with Shamar Joseph's late fireworks pushing the total past 300 to set a solid foundation.
Seales, you beauty - Jayden Seales walks off with the ball in hand for his FIVE-FER and this is his fourth one in Test cricket. Everyone in the stadium are up on their feet to applaud this masterpiece. West Indies won the first Test match by 90 runs and have the lead in this two-match series. Kudos to Babar Azam, who stayed unbeaten to give Pakistan the only glimpse of hope to chase the remaining target, but the middle order needed to do better to support their skipper.
OUT! LBW! A five-wicket haul for Jayden Seales. Hard length, angling in, on middle and leg. Mohammad Abbas is squared up as he looks to block it. Misses it completely as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Mohammad Abbas refers straightaway. Nothing on Ultra Edge, and Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the leg pole. We have to go with the umpire's call. West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs and take a 1-0 lead in this two-match series.
Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas punches it to backward point.
Jayden Seales to share the attack.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 120/9
B Azam58 (107)
M Abbas23 (31)
J Warrican2-1-6-0
FOUR! Finishes the over with a boundary! Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam moves forward and chips it over mid on for a boundary.
A bit quicker, outside off, Babar Azam cuts it to point.
Tossed up, on off, Mohammad Abbas drags it through square leg for a single.
Fullish, on the stumps, Mohammad Abbas blocks it to short cover.
Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam moves forward and digs it to mid off for a single.
Oh, an appeal straightaway! Flatter, on leg, Babar Azam looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Jomel Warrican has a chat with Roston Chase and they send it upstairs to have a check. Ball Tracking shows that the ball was missing the leg pole. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT. Babar Azam survives.
Welcome back for the final session of Day 4. Pakistan continues to fight as Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas resume their innings. They need 97 more runs to win this game. West Indies will continue their hunt for the final wicket. Jomel Warrican will start with the ball. Let's go...
... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...
One wicket or 97 runs? As the players head in for Tea, the drama in Tarouba is off the charts. West Indies are hovering just one single wicket away from a thrilling Test victory, while Pakistan still require 97 runs with their final pair fighting at the crease. Can Babar Azam pull off a miraculous comeback with Abbas, or will the Windies finally seal the deal? Stay tuned for a blockbuster final session!
Abbas joins the defiance - Enter Mohammad Abbas at number 11, who decided he wasn't going down quietly. Abbas played a few cracking, fearless shots to score a handy 22, offering priceless support to his skipper. With a quick finish in sight, the umpires extended the session before Tea, but West Indies failed to deliver the knockout punch as the last-wicket pair stubbornly held their ground.
The middle-order mayhem - The post-lunch session started with absolute mayhem as Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach ripped through Pakistan’s middle order, leaving them stranded at 53/6. Even a brave effort from Shan Masood, who walked out with a fractured finger, couldn't stop the slide as Pakistan tumbled to 71/9. Yet through all the chaos, captain Babar Azam stood firm, displaying pure class to notch up a gritty half-century with unshakeable confidence.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 114/9
B Azam53 (103)
M Abbas22 (29)
J Seales14-6-20-4
Pitches it up, does Seales, on off and middle. Babar Azam drives it to the left of the mid of fielder. There's a bit of misfield, and the batter gets a single. That will be Tea on Day 4!
On a nagging length, on middle, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket.
Fullish, around off, Babar Azam drives it to mid off.
Full, outside off, Babar Azam shoulder arms at it.
Much fuller, on middle, shaping in. Mohammad Abbas flicks it to the right of the square leg fielder. He dives but doesn't give the full commitment. Jomel Warrican runs to his left from deep backward square leg. Babar Azam takes the single and denies the double. Jayden Seales doesn't like the commitment from the square leg fielder.
Full-length delivery, on middle and leg. Mohammad Abbas dabs it to cover.
Jayden Seales (13-6-18-4) returns into the attack. Final over before the Tea break.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 112/9
B Azam52 (99)
M Abbas21 (27)
K Hodge1-0-2-0
Full, on off and middle, Babar Azam eases it to the leg side.
Flighted and fuller, on middle, Babar Azam nudges it to mid-wicket.
Short, just outside off, Babar Azam keeps it away.
Loppy delivery, on middle, fuller in length. Babar Azam defends it back to the bowler.
Short, just outside off, Mohammad Abbas steers it to point for a single.
Short, outside off, Babar Azam punches it wide of cover for a single. Pakistan 100 more runs to win it.
Double change! West Indies are moving with spin from both ends as Kavem Hodge joins the attack.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 110/9
M Abbas20 (26)
B Azam51 (94)
J Warrican1-1-0-0
Flighted and fuller, on middle and leg, Mohammad Abbas dead-bats it down.
Fuller, on middle and leg, Mohammad Abbas rests it down.
A touch shorter, around off, Abbas pushes it to cover.
Full, on off, Mohammad Abbas defends it down.
Fuller, angling down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas looks to reverse sweep but misses the connection. The ball brushes the pad and beats the keeper. Two runs taken.
Tossed up, fuller, on off, Mohammad Abbas defend it down.
Jomel Warrican joins the attack for the first time in this innings.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 108/9
B Azam51 (94)
M Abbas20 (20)
J Seales13-6-18-4
Short of a length, around off, Babar Azam defends it to cover.
Back of a length, on off and middle, Babar Azam blocks it down.
Full, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to mid off.
Beaten! Slower one, outside off, Babar Azam has a waft at it but misses.
Hard length, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to backward square leg. He denies for a single.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 108/9
M Abbas20 (20)
B Azam51 (88)
S Joseph10-0-44-1
Too full, on leg, Mohammad Abbas digs it to mid off.
Back of a length, over middle and leg. Mohammad Abbas shuffles way across the stumps, trying to flick it, but the ball beats the inner part of the bat.
Another full toss, around middle. Mohammad Abbas mistimes his shot to the left of the mid off.
FOUR! Up and over! There is no way anyone can say Abbas is a full-time bowler after watching him play this shot. Full-length delivery, on middle and leg. Mohammad Abbas makes room and lofts it over the cover region for four runs.
A touch fuller, on middle and middle, Mohammad Abbas miscues his punch toward the right of the mid off fielder and gets a couple of runs. Interesting. Babar Azam doesn't keep the strike.
Oh, so close! Shamar Joseph nails a yorker, on middle. Mohammad Abbas makes room and ends up hitting it from the toe end of the bat, toward mid on.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 102/9
B Azam51 (88)
M Abbas14 (14)
J Seales12-5-18-4
Angling in, on off and middle, Babar Azam defends it down the track. Babar fails to get a single to get himself on strike for the next over.
Hard length, just outside off, Babar Azam lets it through.
On the fuller side, just outside off, Babar Azam nudges it to mid on.
Back of a length, just outside off, Babar Azam punches it from his back foot toward the left of the wide mid off fielder, but denies the single.
Angling in, down the leg side, fuller in length, Babar Azam misses his flick.
Spills out a low full toss, just outside off, Babar Azam punches it to mid on from his front foot.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 102/9
M Abbas14 (14)
B Azam51 (82)
S Joseph9-0-38-1
Fullish and outside off, Mohammad Abbas looks to play at it but misses.
Slightly shorter, outside off, Mohammad Abbas leaves it alone.
NO BALL AND FOUR! Mohammad Abbas is going after the bowlers. Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas moves forward and pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary. 100 comes up for Pakistan. Also, it's a frontfoot no ball from Shamar Joseph.
Beaten! Too full, outside off, Mohammad Abbas looks to play at it but misses.
FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Mohammad Abbas! Full and outside off, Mohammad Abbas reaches out to it and slaps it magnificently through point for another boundary.
FOUR! Streaky! Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam punches it through covers for a single. He shows confidence in Mohammad Abbas and gives him the strike.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 88/9
M Abbas2 (8)
B Azam50 (81)
J Seales11-4-18-4
Too full, on off, Mohammad Abbas digs it back to the bowler.
Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas pushes it to cover.
Fifty up for Babar Azam! A fighting knock from him. Angling in, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover for a single. No celebrations from him. He walks towards Mohammad Abbas and has a word with him instead.
Fullish, on leg, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.
In the air, safe! Hard length, on off, Mohammad Abbas looks to loft it but mistimes it. The ball lands safely between mid off and mid on. They cross.
Fullish, on off, Mohammad Abbas blocks it to short cover.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 86/9
B Azam49 (79)
M Abbas1 (4)
S Joseph8-0-24-1
FOUR! What was that! A bit of tactical play from the West Indies. Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam pulls it through backward square leg. The fielder, Jayden Seales, runs to his left and let's off the boundary, so Mohammad Abbas can be on strike for the next over.
FOUR! That's a good shot from Babar Azam! Fullish and on middle, Babar Azam picks it well and knocks it firmly through mid on as the ball races away to the fence.
Fullish, on off, Babar Azam looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Hard length, angling in, on off. Babar Azam stabs it to mid-wicket.
Fullish, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam tugs it to square leg.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 78/9
M Abbas1 (4)
B Azam41 (73)
J Seales10-4-16-4
Fullish, on off, Mohammad Abbas blocks it to the gully fielder.
Shaping in, on off, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket for q quick single. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end but misses. A direct hit and Mohammad Abbas was a goner.
Angling in, on off, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to square leg. He denies for a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam shoulders arms at it.
Good length, on off, Babar Azam stabs it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 77/9
B Azam40 (68)
M Abbas1 (3)
S Joseph7-0-16-1
Slightly shorter, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover.
Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas slaps it to extra cover for a single.
Short, on off, Mohammad Abbas pulls it to square leg.
FOUR LEG BYES! That's a poor delivery! Shamar Joseph errs his line down leg, Mohammad Abbas looks to pull it but the ball brushes off his hips and races away to the fence at fine leg.
Mohammad Abbas is the last batter in.
OUT! TAKEN! The change of bowling has worked for West Indies. Back of a length, just outside off, shaping away. Mohammad Ali looks to punch it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards the second slip where Justin Greaves bends low and takes a sharp catch. Pakistan are down to their last wicket now.
Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to point for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 70/8
M Ali0 (2)
B Azam38 (66)
J Seales9-4-15-4
Nice and full, on the stumps, Mohammad Ali blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Ali pushes it to point.
Pakistan are eight down now. Mohammad Ali is the next batter.
OUT! TIMBER! Jayden Seales gets his fourth wicket. Good length, angling in, on middle. Khurram Shahzad is squared up as he looks to block it. Gets a slight edge as the ball chops onto the middle pole. Khurram Shahzad falls, and Pakistan are in deep trouble now.
Fullish, outside off, Khurram Shahzad leaves it alone.
Keeps it full, on middle, Khurram Shahzad stabs it back to the bowler.
Hard length, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 69/7
K Shahzad4 (6)
B Azam37 (65)
K Roach8-2-27-2
Angling in, on top of off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to cover.
Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Khurram Shahzad has a waft at it but misses.
Nice and full, on middle, Khurram Shahzad blocks it back to the bowler.
FOUR! Nicely played! Full and outside off, Khurram Shahzad opens the face of his bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary.
Slowish, outside off, Khurram Shahzad leaves it alone.
Hard length, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 64/7
K Shahzad0 (1)
B Azam36 (64)
J Seales8-4-14-3
Length and outside off, Khurram Shahzad leaves it alone. A wicket-maiden for Jayden Seales.
Another one falls for Pakistan. Khurram Shahzad walks in to bat now.
OUT! TAKEN! That's a soft dismissal. The centurion of the first innings falls. Fullish and outside off, Shan Masood gets low and looks to drive it but gets an outside edge. The ball lobs towards point. Shamar Joseph hops to his right and completes the catch. Pakistan are reeling at 64/7 now.
Hard length, outside off, left alone by Shan Masood.
Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood tries to block it but misses.
Angling in, on off, Shan Masood eases it to cover.
Hard length, on off, Shan Masood punches it to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 64/6
B Azam36 (64)
S Masood3 (10)
K Roach7-2-22-2
Fullish, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Babar Azam gets a blow on his index finger, and he looks in pain. The physio runs out in the middle to have a check. All fine now and we are good to go.
Slightly shorter, on off, Babar Azam looks to block it but gets a blow on his gloves. He looks in some pain.
Shaping away, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Hard length, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
A tad fuller, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. Dot.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 63/6
B Azam36 (61)
S Masood2 (7)
J Greaves5-1-12-2
FOUR! That's a good shot from Babar Azam! Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam stands tall and pulls it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Fullish, outside off, Babar Azam pushes it to the cover fielder.
Good length, outside off, Babar Azam shoulders arms at it.
Angling in, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover.
Nice and full, on off, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.
Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam tries to block it but gets beaten.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 59/6
S Masood2 (7)
B Azam32 (55)
K Roach6-2-21-2
Fullish, on off, Shan Masood eases it to cover.
On top of off, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Slightly shorter, on leg, Shan Masood blocks it back to the bowler.
Hard length, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it through square leg for a brace.
Back of a length, on leg, Shan Masood blocks it to short cover.
An appeal but turned down. Shaping in, on leg, Shan Masood looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but nothing from the umpire. Roston Chase refers. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows that ilthe impact was outside the line. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 57/6
B Azam32 (55)
S Masood0 (1)
J Greaves4-1-8-2
Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam blocks it solidly.
Length and outside off, left alone.
Pitches it up, around off, Babar Azam defends it back to the bowler.
A touch fuller, angling down the leg side. Babar Azam once again fails to flick it.
Much fuller, outside off, Babar Azam drives it to cover.
FOUR! SHOT! Full-length delivery, outside off, Babar Azam leans on the delivery and drives it crisply through cover for four runs.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 53/6
S Masood0 (1)
B Azam28 (49)
K Roach5-2-19-2
Fuller, down the leg side. Shan Masood misses his flick.
DRINKS BREAK! Pakistan are struggling for 53/6. Babar Azam is standing tall but he isn't getting any support from the non-strikers. They still need 158 runs to win, while West Indies just need 4 wickets. West Indies will continue their hunt for wickets. Let's see how it goes. Shan Masood walks in to bat now.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! What's the Queen song? Yes, another one bites the dust. Roach pitches it fuller, keeping the line into the channel, outside off. Ali Usman crouches a bit and looks to push it away, but gets nicked on the outside edge. The ball flies straight and flat toward the second slip fielder and it's Justin Greaves who squats to reverse scoop the catch near his chest.
Past the outside edge! Full-length delivery, outside off, Ali Usman lunges to defend it but it whiskers past the edge.
On a hard length, around off, Ali Usman knocks it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Ali Usman pushes it to backward point.
A slight confusion for caught behind. The keeper says he hears something but is not confident with it. Kemar Roach confirms that it's nothing. Much fuller, wide outside off, Ali Usman looks to jam it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 53/5
B Azam28 (49)
A Usman2 (6)
J Greaves3-1-4-2
On the fuller side, outside off, Babar Azam offers no shot at it.
Good length, sliding down the leg side, Babar Azam fails to connect his flick.
On a good length, around off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Short of a length, on off and middle, Babar Azam looks to defend it down, but gets the inside edge, before it rolls to square.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam shoulders at it.
Shaping in, on off, Babar Azam leans on his front foot to dead-bat it down.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 53/5
A Usman2 (6)
B Azam28 (43)
S Joseph6-0-13-0
Much fuller, around middle, Ali Usman nudges it to mid-wicket.
Hard length, around off, Ali Usman defends it from the inner half of his bat to the leg side.
A touch fuller, around off and middle, Ali Usman clips it toward deep square leg and gets a brace.
Slanting in, on middle, Ali Usman rests it to the right of the bowler.
Good-length delivery, on off, Ali Usman defends it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 50/5
A Usman0 (1)
B Azam27 (42)
J Greaves2-0-4-2
Full, around middle, Ali Usman tucks it to mid-wicket.
Pakistan lose their fifth wicket. Ali Usman walks up next.
OUT! LBW! This is another beautiful delivery from Justin Greaves, but he needs to hold a bit with his celebration as Aamer Jamal opts for a review. A touch fuller, pitching it just outside off to angle in, but nips it back to straighten the delivery. Aamer Jamal attempts to flick it, but the ball whizzes past the outside edge and hits the back pad. The UltraEdge comes up with no spikes and the Ball Tracking turns three reds. The on-field decision stands and Justin Greaves continues his celebration.
Fuller, outside off, Aamer Jamal drives it cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Aamer Jamal misses his cut due to some extra bounce.
Short, outside off, Aamer Jamal leaves it alone.
Much fuller, at the stumps, Babar Azam jams it down the track. Roston Chase has a chase from the mid off region. He picks the ball but takes time to put on the brakes. By the time the batter gets three runs.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 47/4
A Jamal0 (8)
B Azam24 (41)
S Joseph5-0-10-0
Just a yard behind a good length, outside off, Aamer Jamal looks to defend it but it misses the outside edge.
Short of a length, around off, Aamer Jamal blocks it down the track.
The physio is having a mandatory concussion check. Good to continue.
Aamer Jamal takes a blow on his helmet! Shamar Joseph bashes hard on the good length. Aamer Jamal gets on his front foot and leans on it but he sees the delivery is way outside off. He decides to shoulder arm at it, but the ball kicks off and hits the grill of the helmet.
Back of a length, on middle, shaping in. Babar Azam clips it to square leg and gets a single.
Short, just outside off, Babar Azam gets his body behind the line and bunts it to cover.
Wide outside off, on the back of a good length, Babar Azam makes a leave.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 46/4
A Jamal0 (5)
B Azam23 (38)
J Greaves1-0-1-1
Back of a length, outside off, Aamer Jamal lets it travel to the keeper.
Short of a length, just outside off, Aamer Jamal steers it down to gully.
Full, around off, Aamer Jamal drives it to mid off.
Hard length, outside off, Aamer Jamal shoulders arms at it.
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Aamer Jamal looks to flick it but misses and takes a blow on his body.
OUT! BOWLED'EM! A wicket just after the No Ball. Pure masterclass from Justin Greaves. He angles in, pitching it well outside off. Mohammad Rizwan lunges and looks to nudge it toward the leg side, but it shapes a touch away and beats the outside edge to rattles the top of off stump.
NO BALL! Not the start Justin Greaves would have wanted. He has overstepped and the umpire signals No Ball. Fuller in length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan dabs it back to the bowler.
Justin Greaves joins the attack now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 45/3
B Azam23 (38)
M Rizwan11 (26)
S Joseph4-0-9-0
FOUR! A boundary to end the over! In the channel, just outside off, on the back of a good length. Babar Azam rides on the bounce and flicks it from the sweet spot of his bat through square leg for four runs.
Length-delivery, outside off, Babar Azam lets it pass through.
Good-length delivery, around off and middle, Babar Azam blocks it down.
On a length, on off, Babar Azam fends it away.
Bends his back and offers a bouncer, just outside off, nips it away. Babar Azam looks to block it on his back foot but it misses the outside edge.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam slaps it to cover.
Just to give an update about the weather. The dark clouds have passed away and the drizzle has stopped. It's bright and sunny now.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 41/3
M Rizwan11 (26)
B Azam19 (32)
J Seales7-3-14-2
Back of a length, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan stabs it to short cover.
Full, around middle, Mohammad Rizwan works it to mid-wicket.
FOUR! A very good and confident shot from Rizwan. Angling in, on middle and leg, on the fuller side. Rizwan rolls his wrists and clips it through backward square leg for another boundary.
Full, on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it to cover.
FOUR! Now that's how you reply! Much fuller, nearly a yorker, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drops his bat and jams it into the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for four runs.
A confident appeal and up goes the finger of the umpire. Rizwan takes the review. Seales pitches it on the fourth stump, on a good length and nips back toward the batter. Mohammad Rizwan tries to defend it to his front foot, but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets thumped on the back pad. The UltraEdge shows no bat involvement, but the Ball Tracking detects that it is flying over the stumps. Good review by Rizwan and the on-field umpire changes his decision to Not Out.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 33/3
B Azam19 (32)
M Rizwan3 (20)
S Joseph3-0-5-0
Hard length, on middle and leg, Babar Azam knocks it to mid-wicket.
Much fuller, keeping the line just outside off, Babar Azam defends it to cover.
Pitches it up, does Joseph, on middle, Babar Azam flicks it to deep square leg and gets a couple of runs.
Oh, right on the box! Back of a length, slanting in, toward the batter. Babar Azam fails to dab it down, and it hits the box.
Short of a length, around off, Babar Azam pats it to cover.
The floodlights are turning on. Yes, it's still drizzling, but the umpire is trying to get the play done as much as he can.
On a length, on off, angling in, Babar Azam works it to square leg.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 31/3
M Rizwan3 (20)
B Azam17 (26)
J Seales6-3-6-2
Slanting in, down the leg side, Mohammad Rizwan flicks to connect his flick and gets pinged on the pad.
Back of a length, on middle, Babar Azam nudges it to wide mid-wicket and gets another single.
Shaping in, on off, fuller in length, Mohammad Rizwan works it to mid-wicket and gets a single.
Uh oh! As we were speaking about the rain, it's started to drizzle.
Hard-length delivery, angling in, around middle. Mohammad Rizwan looks to defend it but gets beaten on the inside edge and gets thump on the back thigh pad.
A touch fuller, keeping the line outside off, Mohammad Rizwan tries to push it toward mid off, but it zips past the outside edge.
Fuller in length, shaping in, on middle and leg. Mohammad Rizwan misses his flick and wears on the pad.
Jayden Seales will bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 29/3
M Rizwan2 (15)
B Azam16 (25)
S Joseph2-0-3-0
Full, on middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to deep fine leg for a single.
Hits the length hard, angling in, around middle and leg. Mohammad Rizwan hops to block it down, but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits the back thigh pad and flies off to the keeper.
On a good length, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan fends it to cover.
Just a yard behind the good length, on off. Mohammad Rizwan looks to defend on his back foot, but the ball skids through and Rizwan has to drop his bat down to block it away.
Shaping in, on off and middle, Mohammad Rizwan rests it down.
Full-length delivery, around off, Mohammad Rizwan defends it to cover.
We are back for the afternoon session! The left part of the stadium is stacked full of clouds, and the right part is clear. Hope we don't get a rain stoppage. Jayden Seales to start after the Lunch break.
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
Babar and Rizwan hold the line - With panic setting in, skipper Babar Azam stepped up to stem the tide and brought some composure back to the innings. Alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Babar ensured no further damage was done as Pakistan reached 28/3 in 10 overs at the Lunch break, still needing 183 runs for victory. With the pitch offering plenty of movement and the match balanced on a knife-edge, all eyes now turn to Pakistan’s premier batting duo to launch a high-stakes rescue mission in the afternoon session.
West Indian pacers unleash the chaos - Pakistan’s chase got off to a nightmare start as the hosts came out breathing fire with the new ball. Kemar Roach set the tone in the third over, producing a delivery that climbed sharply to edge out Imam-ul-Haq for 3. Jayden Seales then joined the destruction, inducing an edge from Azan Awais before trapping Salman Agha leg-before-wicket just two overs later. Within ten frantic overs, Pakistan's top order was blown away, leaving them staring at defeat at a shell-shocked 25/3.
A tricky target - The game hangs evenly poised at the stroke of Lunch on Day 4. West Indies started Day 4 at 126/7, looking to push their lead as far as possible, and their lower order delivered a vital fighting effort. Overnight batters Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph frustrated the Pakistani attack on a wearing surface, stretching the lead run by run. Mohammad Ali eventually broke through by bowling Joseph, before Mohammad Abbas completed a fantastic five-wicket haul to clean up the tail. The West Indian resistance finally ended at 181, turning a manageable chase into a psychologically tough target of 211 for the visitors.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 28/3
B Azam16 (25)
M Rizwan1 (9)
J Seales5-3-4-2
Fullish, outside off, Babar Azam leaves it alone towards the keeper. That will be Lunch on Day 4.
Good length, angling in, on off. Babar Azam blocks it to short cover.
Full and on leg, Mohammad Rizwan looks to flick it but miscues it to cover for a single.
Short and wide, Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms at it.
Fullish, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it to mid on.
Hard length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 27/3
B Azam16 (23)
M Rizwan0 (5)
S Joseph1-0-2-0
Hard length, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it through square leg for a brace.
Good fielding! Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam punches it to point. Keemo Paul dives to his right and makes a magnificent stop. Dot.
Slightly shorter, on off, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it to short cover.
Back of a length, on leg, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket.
Fullish, on middle, Babar Azam blocks it to mid off.
Nice and full, on middle, Babar Azam blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 25/3
M Rizwan0 (5)
B Azam14 (17)
J Seales4-3-3-2
A wicket-maiden from Jayden Seales. Full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to the cover fielder. Pakistan are 25/3, needing 186 more runs to win.
Angling in, on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to the gully fielder.
Good length, on leg, Mohammad Rizwan fends it to short cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms at it.
Fullish, outside off, shaping away. Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone.
Mohammad Rizwan walks in to bat now.
OUT! LBW! Another one for Jayden Seales and West Indies are on top! Hard length, angling in, on off. Salman Agha looks to block it but gets beaten as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. He sends it upstairs to have a check. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Salman Agha walks back for a duck. Pakistan are 25/3 now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 25/2
B Azam14 (17)
S Agha0 (5)
K Roach4-1-19-1
FOUR! Brilliant shot from Babar Azam! Too full from Roach, on middle, Babar Azam picks it well and knocks it firmly through mid on for a boundary.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam leaves it alone.
Hard length, on off, Babar Azam punches it to cover.
Angling in, on off, Babar Azam eases it to the right of the bowler.
Too full, on middle, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 21/2
S Agha0 (5)
B Azam10 (11)
J Seales3-2-3-1
Fullish, on off, Salman Agha pushes it to cover.
Angling in, on off, Salman Agha blocks it to short cover.
Nice and full, on off, Salman Agha pushes it to mid off.
Back of a length, down leg, Salman Agha looks to flick it but misses.
Fullish, on off, Salman Agha stabs it back to the bowler.
Another one falls for Pakistan. Salman Agha is the next batter.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pakistan now find themselves in early trouble here. Full and outside off, shaping away from the batter. Azan Awais gets low and looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries to the left of the keeper, Shai Hope, who makes no mistake. Pakistan are now 21/2. They need 190 runs to win.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 21/1
B Azam10 (11)
A Awais3 (13)
K Roach3-1-15-1
FOUR! Top shot from Babar Azam! Fullish and on off, Babar Azam leans on and knocks it firmly through mid on as the ball races away to the fence.
Fullish, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to the cover fielder.
Keeps it full, on off, Babar Azam flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.
NO BALL AND FOUR! Nicely played! Hard length, on off, Babar Azam goes deep in his crease and pulls it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary. It's also a no ball for overstepping.
Much fuller, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Nice and full, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 10/1
A Awais3 (13)
B Azam0 (4)
J Seales2-1-3-0
Length and outside off, left alone again by Azan Awais.
Short and wide, Azan Awais leaves it alone.
Fullish, on off, Azan Awais pushes it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Azan Awais shoulders arms.
Hard length, on off, Azan Awais punches it to cover-point.
Slower one, outside off, Azan Awais leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 10/1
B Azam0 (4)
A Awais3 (7)
K Roach2-1-4-1
A yorker, on leg, Babar Azam digs it to square leg.
Too full, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to square leg.
Nice and full, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to square leg.
Much fuller, on leg, Azan Awais flicks it to square leg for three runs. The fielder throws it towards the keeper, who whips the bails off. The umpire checks and confirms that Babar Azam was safely home.
Down the leg side, Babar Azam looks to flick it but wears it on his pads as the ball rolls towards mid-wicket. They collect a leg bye. It's also a no ball for overstepping.
An early wicket for West Indies, and they are elated. Babar Azam walks in at number 3.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Kemar Roach strikes early. Hits the deck hard, just outside off, Imam-ul-Haq is caught by surprise. He tries to play an uppercut but misses. Gets it off his gloves as the ball carries behind towards the keeper, Shai Hope, who makes no mistake.
Hard length and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 5/0
Imam3 (6)
A Awais0 (6)
J Seales1-0-3-0
Slightly shorter, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq tucks it through square leg. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
Nice and full, on off, Imam-ul-Haq stabs it to mid on.
Short and wide, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Much fuller, on off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it to cover.
Hard length, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards square leg. An appeal but turned down. Perhaps missing leg. They collect two leg byes. The reply later shows that the ball was missing the leg pole.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it.
Jayden Seales to share the attack.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/0
A Awais0 (6)
Imam0 (0)
K Roach1-1-0-0
Kemar Roach starts with a maiden. Hard length, outside off, Azan Awais tries to block it but misses.
Too full, on the stumps, Azan Awais stabs it back to the bowler.
Beauty! Hard length, just outside off, shaping away at the last moment. Azan Awais tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.
Back of a length, outside off, Azan Awais leaves it alone.
Fullish, on middle, Azan Awais pushes it to cover.
A dot to start the final innings of this Test. Hard length, on off, Azan Awais punches it to cover.
Commentary
We are back for the final innings of this test match. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq open up for Pakistan. Kemar Roach has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
... FOURTH INNINGS ...
The late counter-attack - Lower-order batter Shamar Joseph provided a thrilling spark, taking a liking to Jamal and launching sixes to push the West Indies to 126/7 by the end of the day. Resuming on Day 4, Joseph’s entertaining 38-run cameo came to an end, and Kemar Roach quickly followed as the hosts were finally bundled out for 181, setting Pakistan a target of 211 to chase. Mohammad Abbas finished as the pick of the bowlers with an impressive five-wicket haul, while Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali chipped in with two wickets each to put Pakistan firmly in the driver's seat.
The middle-order collapse - The post-Tea session of Day 3 brought more chaos as Shai Hope attempted an ambitious slog, only to be castled by Khurram Shahzad. Chanderpaul continued to fight with immense discipline alongside Justin Greaves, but just as the stand began to bloom, Chanderpaul fell to Aamir Jamal. Abbas then returned to dismiss Greaves, courtesy of a spectacular diving catch by skipper Babar Azam, before Shahzad got Roston Chase caught behind to leave the hosts in dire straits at 93/7.
West Indies lead by 210 runs - West Indies needed a strong start to capitalize on their slender lead, but Mohammad Abbas struck early blows that blew the innings wide open. Abbas removed Brandon King for another low score and followed up three balls later by removing Kavem Hodge for a duck. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo momentarily steadied the ship with a patient mini-partnership, but right on the stroke of Tea on Day 3, Mohammad Ali plucked a stunning catch to dismiss Jangoo and leave the Windies reeling at 28/3.
OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Mohammad Abbas. He completes his five-wicket haul as well. Hard length, on off, shaping in. Jomel Warrican stays back and looks to block it, but the ball goes through his bat and his pad and hits the top of middle. West Indies have been bowled out for 181 runs. They have a lead of 210 runs.
FOUR! Streaky from Jomel Warrican! Full and outside off, Jomel Warrican stays back and looks to block it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball races through backward point for a boundary.
Mohammad Rizwan comes up to the stumps now to keep Jomel Warrican inside the crease.
Nice and full, on middle, Jomel Warrican digs it back to the bowler.
Shaping away, on off, Jomel Warrican punches it to cover.
Angling in, on off, Jomel Warrican blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 177/9
J Seales6 (10)
J Warrican10 (15)
M Ali14-1-52-2
Short and wide, Jayden Seales shoulders arms at it.
Back of a length, on middle and leg. Jayden Seales walks down the track and looks to pull it away, but misses the connection and hits the left left bicep.
Full, on middle and leg, Jomel Warrican flicks it to backward square leg and gets a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Jomel Warrican makes a leave.
NO BALL! Ali oversteps, and with that bonus run, it will make four in total. Fullish, outside off, Jayden Seales drives it from the outer half of his bat. The ball beats the backward point fielder to his right, but Sajid Khan backtracks, runs all the way and dives to flick it, just before it touches the boundary ropes. The batter runs three.
Back of a length, on middle, Jayden Seales dabs it to mid-wicket.
Full, on off, Seales blocks it out.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 172/9
J Seales3 (5)
J Warrican9 (13)
M Abbas15-6-18-4
With those three runs, the lead is now 201! Pitches it up, does Abbas, shaping in, on off and middle, Jayden Seales nudges it toward the vacant square leg region. Sajid Khan charges from the deep and has a shy at the bowler's end, but the backup is way far from the wickets. The batter gets another run and gets three in total.
A touch fuller, on off, Jayden Seales knocks it to mid off.
Fuller, on off, Jayden Seales defends it down.
On a length, outside off, Jayden Seales offers a straight bat but it zips past the outside edge.
Much fuller, on middle, Jayden Seales digs it out.
Jayden Seales is the last man batter.
OUT! CAUGHT! Mohammad Abbas gets his fourth wicket and he sends off Kemar Roach with a daring pace bowler's stare. A touch fuller in length, outside off, a bit slower as well. Kemar Roach gets on his front foot and tries to drive it, but mistimes it and chips it to Babar Azam in the cover region, who makes no mistake in scooping that dolly. Pakistan are one wicket away to get onto bat.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 169/8
J Warrican9 (13)
K Roach18 (62)
M Ali13-1-47-2
Full, on off, defended by Jomel Warrican.
Back of a length, well outside off, Jomel Warrican is happy to let it pass through.
SIX! Some lucky runs for Jomel Warrican. Short of a length, outside off. Jomel Warrican gets on his toes and looks to pull it across the line, but catches the top edge. The ball skies up high and flies over the deep fine leg region for half a dozen.
Full, on off, Jomel Warrican defends it solidly to cover.
Hard length, down the leg side, Jomel Warrican fails to connect his flick.
Hard length, outside off, Jomel Warrican leaves it away.
Jomel Warrican is having some discomfort in his right hand. The physio had a look at it and applied some magic spray. All good to continue.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 163/8
K Roach18 (62)
J Warrican3 (7)
M Abbas14-6-15-3
Fullish, outside off, Kemar Roach mistimes his drive to the right of Babar Azam in mid off. Jomel Warrican sets off early to take a single but sent back right in time, as the throw from Babar is wide, but Mohammad Abbas gets back to collect it and dislodge the stumps. However, by that time Warrican gets inside the crease.
On a good length, just outside off, Kemar Roach gets on his front foot and defends it to cover.
Back of a length, on middle, Jomel Warrican pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Fullish, on off and middle, Jomel Warrican defends it from the inner part of his bat.
Hard length, outside off, nipping away. Jomel Warrican covers the stumps and lifts his bat to leave it away.
Full-length delivery, on the fourth stump. Jomel Warrican walks down the track to kill the swing and dead-bats it to the off side.
Change! Here comes Mohammad Abbas, for the first time on Day 4 with two slips in place.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 162/8
K Roach18 (60)
J Warrican2 (3)
M Ali12-1-41-2
Short of a length, on middle and leg, Kemar Roach squats underneath it.
On the fuller side, on off, Kemar Roach eases it away.
Back of a length, on middle, Kemar Roach bunts it down.
Mohammad Abbas is doing some stretching. He might join the attack in some overs.
A tad fuller, just outside off, Kemar Roach drives it past the cover fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Just a yard behind a good length, outside off, Kemar Roach swings his arms to punch it over cover, but gets beaten as it swings away from the willow.
Good length, angling in, on middle, Jomel Warrican tucks it to square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 159/8
K Roach16 (55)
J Warrican1 (2)
K Shahzad15-2-54-2
Pitches it up, just outside off, Kemar Roach strides out and drives it back to the bowler.
Full, on off, defended by Kemar Roach.
Short of a length, shaping in, on middle. Kemar Roach ducks under it.
Back of a length, outside off, Kemar Roach misses his cut.
NO BALL! Khurram Shahzad oversteps and the umpire signals a No Ball. A touch fuller, on off, Kemar Roach pushes it away.
Huge and confident appeal for caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. Babar Azam goes for the review. This is a brilliant ball from Khurram Shahzad, pitching it on the back of a good length, angling in, but nipping it away but straighten it. Kemar Roach looks to flick, but it misses the outside edge and just glides over the top of the middle stump. The UltraEdge pops up and shows that there is a clear gap between bat and pad. If the ball had been a little bit fuller, it would have been a clean bowled.
Pitches it up, does Shahzad, just outside off, Kemar Roach drives it past the cover fielder and gets a brace.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 156/8
J Warrican1 (2)
K Roach14 (48)
M Ali11-1-38-2
Fuller, on middle, Jomel Warrican tries to defend it, but gets nicked on the outside edge, before it goes to the gully fielder with one bounce.
Full, just outside off, Kemar Roach leans on it and pushes it to deep cover for a single. The lead is now 185.
Back of a length, on middle, Jomel Warrican tucks it to backward square leg for one.
Jomel Warrican walks up next.
OUT! CASTLED! Variations from Mohammad Ali and that will end a quick-fire innings from Shamar Joseph. Cross-seamed delivery just after a leg cutter, pitching it on middle and pushing it length fuller. Joseph clears his front foot to heave it across, but the ball beats the inside edge and rattles onto the middle stump.
Leg-cutter from Ali, pitching it outside leg and shaping toward the leg stump, on a good length. Shamar Joseph fails to tuck it and the ball hits the upper part of the pad.
Bouncer, angling across the batter. Shamar Joseph shapes himself to offer an upper cut, but ends up leaving it.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 154/7
K Roach13 (47)
S Joseph38 (24)
K Shahzad14-2-51-2
Good length, around off, Kemar Roach stabs it to cover.
On a length, around middle, Shamar Joseph works it to square leg and gets across.
Hard length, outside off, Shamar Joseph looks to go for a wild swing but it beats the outside edge.
Back of a length, outside off, Shamar Joseph misses his cut.
SIX! Oh my goodness, that is a brilliant shot from Joseph. This one is a bit slower from Shahzad, pitching it much fuller, just outside off. Shamar Joseph loads his arms, but rechecks his shot, as he hangs on a little bit to time it right. He then unleashes it over the long off fielder for half a dozen.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, Shamar Joseph comes down the track to lash it over cover, but misses on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 147/7
K Roach13 (46)
S Joseph31 (19)
M Ali10-1-36-1
Back of a length, over off, Kemar Roach fends it to the off side.
Bouncer, on off, Kemar Roach looks to defend it on back foot but keeps his bat a little low. The ball climbs big and hits the thumb of his right hand, before it bounces off toward the slip cordon.
On a good length, on middle and off, Shamar Joseph swats it from the inner part of his bat to left of mid-wicket for a single.
Bumper, just outside off, Shamar Joseph lets it travel to the keeper.
Much fuller, outside off, Kemar Roach drills it straight to the cover-point fielder, who fumbles, and the batter gets a single out of it.
Good-length delivery, outside off, Kemar Roach works it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder and collects a couple of runs.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 143/7
S Joseph30 (17)
K Roach10 (42)
K Shahzad13-2-44-2
FOUR! That is way too good from Shamar Joseph. Bouncer from Shahzad, over middle and leg. Shamar Joseph swivels on his back foot and pulls it up and over short fine leg for four runs. Looking at the shot, Kemar Roach gives a hug to the 26-year-old.
On the fuller side, outside off, Shamar Joseph pushes it with soft hands toward the left of the deep backward point fielder and gets a brace.
On a nagging length, around middle and leg, Kemar Roach nudges it to square leg for a single.
Just short of the fielder! Full-length delivery, pitching it just outside off and nipping in. Kemar Roach prods toward it and shows the full face of the bat to defend it, but catches the inside edge to hit his front pad. The ball loops and drops just short of the diving Imam-ul-Haq, who is stationed in the gully region.
Change of pace, fuller and on middle, Kemar Roach nudges it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, outside off, Shamar Joseph drags it to long on and gets a single.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 135/7
K Roach9 (39)
S Joseph23 (14)
M Ali9-1-32-1
On a length, on off and middl,e Kemar Roach blocks it down.
Short of a length, on middle, Kemar Roach bunts it down the track.
FOUR! Just away from the keeper. Pitches it on a good length, angling down the leg side. Kemar Roach just helps it away. The ball once again flies toward the left of Mohammad Rizwan. He dives and gets just the fingertips of his gloves on it, but the ball dribbles away for another boundary.
Just outside off, on the back of a length, Kemar Roach rocks back to defend but the ball misses the outside edge.
FOUR BYES! Mohammad Ali misses his line and the Windes get some extra runs. Back of a length, angling it down the leg side. Kemar Roach looks to flick it, but fails to get the connection. The ball zips past Mohammad Rizwan, who dives to his left but fails to glove it. The ball races away to deep fine leg for four runs.
Oh, attacking intent from the very first ball! Ali pitches it up, fuller, just outside off, nipping it a shade away. Shamar Joseph lunges to drive it but connects the outer part of his bat, toward deep point for a single.
We are all set to start the action on Day 4! The players are out to the middle. Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach continue their innings. Mohammad Ali will start the proceedings with a slip and a gully in place. Let's play...
PITCH REPORT - Samuel Bandree starts off saying that the weather is nice and sunny. He describes that the pitch is entering its most fascinating phase yet, noting that after 14 wickets fell on the previous day, a closer look shows that the cracks on the surface have widened significantly. He explained that the cracks run both parallel and perpendicular to the wicket, with the parallel cracks affecting lateral movement and the perpendicular ones impacting the bounce. He observed that the bounce on the surface has been progressively lowering throughout the Test match, noting it is bouncing about 10 centimeters lower on day three and expecting that variability to persist as the sun bakes the track. He remarked that batting on this surface will pose a serious challenge for everyone, though he noted the side still has three wickets intact and holds a 155-run lead, which is much more substantial than it sounds on such a pitch.
A grandstand finish awaits - The pitch at Tarouba is now offering dramatic bounce and turn, making life extremely uncomfortable for anyone in the middle. If the home side can squeeze out another 30 or 40 runs, their bowling unit will carry immense belief into the final innings. On the flip side, a quick double strike from Pakistan could keep this target within manageable reach. The action is about to restart, so sit back and enjoy.
Visitors looking for a swift mop up - For Pakistan, the main objective taking the field today is to polish off the remaining three wickets as quickly as possible. They cannot afford to let the West Indies lower order leak easy runs through boundary hits like they allowed late yesterday. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad will look to maintain relentless pressure on the stumps, while their batters prepare themselves mentally for a tough chase against a fired up West Indies attack on a spitting track.
Host strategy for the final stretch - West Indies will know that reckless shot choices cost them heavily late on Day 3, with key batters gifting their wickets away when patience was required. The immediate goal for Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach is to show high discipline, protect their stumps, and frustrate the opposition. Rather than playing rash strokes, the lower order must focus on rotation of strike and stretch this lead past the 180 mark to set up a challenging target.
Hello and welcome to Tarouba! The match has moved along at a rapid rate, and the hosts currently find themselves at 126 for 7 in their second innings, holding a precious lead of 155 runs. On a surface that is growing trickier by the hour, every single run scored today will be worth its weight in gold.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
That's it for the Moving Day - 10 wickets fell in the first two sessions and four in the last session. This is enough to make someone understand how the game moved from one way to the other. First we all thought that the West Indies has the better grip on the match, but oh boy, the visitors were adamant to let the match slip. They have picked seven wickets so far and with three more wickets to go for chasing a total. For tomorrow, Day 4, the morning session would be very crucial for the game. If the tail enders add 60-70 more runs, they will have a very good chance to defend the total. Alright then, that's it for today. Hope you enjoyed our commentary, and we look forward to get you company for Day 4 as well. The first ball will be bowled at 2 pm GMT, so don't be late. Cheers!
Up for a quick chat - Umar Gul, Pakistan's bowling coach, starts off by addressing the team's bowling plans for the second innings. Gul admitted that they failed to execute their strategies properly on the opening day of the first innings, having bowled a little too short in length. He explained that from the second day onward and continuing into today, the plan was simple: hit the right areas, bowl slightly fuller, and remain disciplined, noting that the bowlers executed this approach exceptionally well. About Mohammad Abbas, Gul highlighted that the senior bowler brings vast red-ball experience to the side, leading from the front through both his performances and his constant guidance to the younger bowlers on adapting to different conditions. Reflecting on Shamar Joseph's late aggressive cameo with the bat, he mentioned that they anticipated such play given his intent in the first innings, acknowledging that a batter sometimes lands great shots even against a well-set field.
Advantage Pakistan - Tagenarine Chanderpaul showed incredible resilience alongside Justin Greaves, defending sturdily to push West Indies past the 70-run mark and extend their overall lead past 100. However, just as the hosts began to build a comfortable platform, Pakistan struck another decisive blow to dismiss Chanderpaul, breaking the partnership and seizing absolute control. After the fall of that particular wicket, Pakistan roared back and got back-to-back wickets to get to a point where they were looking forward to bundling out the hosts, but Shamar Joseph took an aggressive approach to trigger the lead to 155 runs by the Stumps.
Pakistan’s pace attack strikes back - That slim advantage evaporated almost immediately as Pakistan’s fast bowlers produced a fiery response. Mohammad Abbas ripped through the top order before Tea with two wickets in three balls, and Khurram Shahzad kept the foot on the gas post-tea by knocking over Shai Hope. Left reeling at 43 for 4, the hosts found themselves under extreme pressure.
A rollercoaster start on Day 3 - Day 3 began with high drama in Tarouba. Shan Masood completed a superb century to put Pakistan in control early on, but a sudden collapse triggered by Justin Greaves saw the visitors lose five wickets in a flash. Pakistan’s tail enders added crucial late runs to reach 282, but West Indies still walked away with a tight 29-run first-innings lead.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 126/7
K Roach5 (34)
S Joseph22 (13)
K Shahzad12-2-36-2
Sways it down leg, Kemar Roach leaves it alone. That will be Stumps on Day 3.
Hard length, outside off, shaping away. Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Too full, on leg, Kemar Roach digs it to cover.
Nice and full, on middle, Kemar Roach leans on and blocks it solidly. It's a frontfoot no ball from Khurram Shahzad.
Shaping away, outside off, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Fullish, on off, Kemar Roach blocks it to cover.
Full and outside off, Shamar Joseph pushes it through point for a single.
Runs Scored 14 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 124/7
S Joseph21 (12)
K Roach5 (28)
A Jamal10-2-39-1
Hard length, on off, Shamar Joseph drags it to mid-wicket for a single.
Wide! A wayward bouncer, outside off, Shamar Joseph leaves. Wide called for height.
Put down! Short and on off, Shamar Joseph looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs behind. Mohammad Rizwan leaps and tries to take the catch but just manages to get his glove on it. The ball parries behind him. Dot.
Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Shamar Joseph moves forward and looks to loft it but misses.
Short and wide, Shamar Joseph leaves it alone.
SIX MORE! Back-to-back sixes from Shamar Joseph! Slightly shorter and on off, Shamar Joseph picks it well and pulls it magnificently over mid-wicket for yet another six. The lead goes past 150 runs now.
SIX! That goes the distance! Back of a length, on off, Shamar Joseph latches onto it and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 110/7
K Roach5 (28)
S Joseph8 (6)
K Shahzad11-2-34-2
Fullish, on off, Kemar Roach blocks it back to the bowler.
Bangs it short, on leg, Kemar Roach ducks under it.
Down the leg side, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Full, on middle and leg, Kemar Roach flicks it to mid-wicket.
Full-length delivery, on off, Kemar Roach pushes it back to the bowler.
Short, on middle, Shamar Joseph pulls it to deep square leg.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 109/7
K Roach5 (23)
S Joseph7 (5)
A Jamal9-2-25-1
Full, on middle and leg, Kemar Roach clips it to deep square leg for no runs.
FOUR BYES! Some free runs for West Indies. Pitches it up, fuller, but sprays it down the leg side. Kemar Roach misses his flick and the ball zips away past Mohammad Rizwan, who dives to his left but fails to glove it. The ball races away for four runs.
Bumper, on off, Shamar Joseph looks to pull it away, but catches the top edge. The ball loops and drops safely behind keeper for a single.
SIX! BANG! Good-length delivery, just outside off, Shamar Joseph clears his front foot and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
Bumper, just outside off, Shamar Joseph looks to upper cut, fails to make a connection.
Back of a length, outside off, Shamar Joseph swings and misses.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 98/7
K Roach5 (21)
S Joseph0 (1)
K Shahzad10-2-33-2
Short and outside off, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
FOUR! That's a good shot! Hard length, outside off, Kemar Roach opens the face of the bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary.
Hard length and outside off, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Down the leg side, Shamar Joseph looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards square leg. They collect a leg bye.
Shamar Joseph is the next batter.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Khurram Shahzad gets the big fish, and West Indies are in deep trouble now. Hard length and just outside off, Roston Chase leans on and looks to drive it but misses it completely. Gets a faint edge, and Mohammad Rizwan behind the sticks makes no mistake.
Much fuller, on off, Roston Chase pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 93/6
K Roach1 (18)
R Chase8 (26)
A Jamal8-2-18-1
Full and outside off, Kemar Roach tries to slap it but misses.
Bangs it short, on off, Kemar Roach ducks under it.
Beaten! Fullish, outside off, Kemar Roach swings hard but misses.
Short and wide, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Another play and a miss! Length and outside off, shaping away, Kemar Roach looks to drive it but misses again.
Beaten! Hard length, outside off, with some away movement. Kemar Roach has a waft at it but misses.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 93/6
R Chase8 (26)
K Roach1 (12)
K Shahzad9-2-29-1
Keeps it full, on off, Roston Chase eases it to cover.
Hard length and outside off, Roston Chase leaves it alone.
Nice and full, on off, Kemar Roach taps it to mid on for a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Much fuller, on off, Kemar Roach pushes it to cover.
Length and on leg, Kemar Roach tucks it to mid-wicket. It's a frontfoot no ball from Khurram Shahzad.
Nice and full, on off, Kemar Roach blocks it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 91/6
R Chase8 (24)
K Roach0 (7)
A Jamal7-1-18-1
Keeps it full again, on off, Roston Chase eases it to mid off.
Too full, on off, Roston Chase digs it to mid off.
Much fuller, on off, Roston Chase stabs it to mid off.
Full and outside off, Roston Chase steers it through covers for a brace.
Hard length, outside off, and it keeps low. Roston Chase leaves it alone.
Too full, on middle, Roston Chase blocks it to mid on.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 89/6
K Roach0 (7)
R Chase6 (18)
M Abbas13-6-14-3
Nice and full, on off, Kemar Roach eases it to cover.
Slower one, outside off, Kemar Roach leaves it alone.
Fullish, on off, Kemar Roach fends it to mid on.
Too full, on off, Kemar Roach stabs it to mid on.
Much fuller, on off, Kemar Roach blocks it to point.
Down the leg side, Kemar Roach looks to flick it but wears it on his pads.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 89/6
R Chase6 (18)
K Roach0 (1)
A Jamal6-1-16-1
Back of a length, outside off, Roston Chase leaves it alone.
Slightly shorter, outside off, Roston Chase shoulders arms at it.
Nice and full, on off, Roston Chase pushes it to cover.
FOUR! Glorious cover drive from Roston Chase! Fullish and outside off, Roston Chase leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.
Peach! Back of a length, just outside off, shaping away at the last moment. Roston Chase tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.
Angling in, on off, Roston Chase blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 85/6
K Roach0 (1)
R Chase2 (12)
M Abbas12-5-14-3
Hard length, on off, Kemar Roach pushes it to cover.
DRINKS! West Indies are in deep trouble at 85 for 6, leaving Roston Chase as their last recognized batter. With a slim lead of just 114 runs, they need at least 80 to 90 more to give themselves a real fighting chance. Pakistan will continue their hunt for wickets. Let's see how it pans out. Kemar Roach walks in to bat now.
OUT! TAKEN! That's a magnificent catch from Babar Azam. Hard length, outside off, with some extra bounce. Justin Greaves looks to drive it, but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards short cover. Babar Azam dives low to his left and takes a magnificent catch. West Indies are 85/6, leading by 114 runs now.
Back of a length, on off, Justin Greaves stabs it to mid off.
Hard length, on off, Justin Greaves pushes it to cover.
Angling in, outside off, Justin Greaves looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down. They go against the review. Perhaps the height. Yes, the replay later shows that the ball was going over the middle pole.
Fullish, on leg, Justin Greaves flicks it to mid-wicket.
Fuller, outside off, Justin Greaves leaves it alone. It's a frontfoot no ball from Mohammad Abbas.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 84/5
R Chase2 (12)
J Greaves20 (38)
A Jamal5-1-12-1
Bangs it short, on leg, Roston Chase ducks under it.
Back of a length, on leg, Roston Chase tucks it to backward square leg for a brace.
Hits the deck hard, outside off, Roston Chase leaves it alone.
Slightly shorter, outside off, Roston Chase looks to block it but misses.
Back of a length, outside off, Roston Chase shoulders arms at it.
Shaping in, on off, Justin Greaves punches it to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 81/5
J Greaves19 (37)
R Chase0 (7)
M Abbas11-5-13-2
Much fuller, on leg, Justin Greaves flicks it through square leg for a single.
Beaten! Back of a length, outside off, Justin Greaves swings hard but misses.
Short and wide, left alone by Justin Greaves.
Hard length, on off, Justin Greaves blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on off, Justin Greaves flicks it to mid-wicket.
Good length, shaping in, Justin Greaves looks to drive it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 80/5
R Chase0 (7)
J Greaves18 (31)
A Jamal4-1-9-1
Angling in, on off, Roston Chase pushes it to mid off.
Back of a length, on off, Roston Chase leaves again.
Hard length, just outside off, Roston Chase reads it well and makes a tight leave.
Slowish, outside off, Roston Chase leaves it alone.
Fullish, on off, Roston Chase pushes it to mid on.
Back of a length, on middle, Roston Chase stands tall and blocks it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 80/5
J Greaves18 (31)
R Chase0 (1)
M Abbas10-5-12-2
Pitches it up, does Abbas, on off, Justin Greaves drives it to mid on for no runs.
Full-length delivery, pitching it well outside off and nips in. Justin Greaves gets on his front foot to offer a defence, but it gets into the gap between bat and pad and beats the batter.
Angling in, on middle and leg, Justin Greaves flicks it to square leg.
Wide outside off, on a nagging length, Justin Greaves is happy to let that one pass through.
Good length, outside off, Justin Greaves makes a leave at it.
Full, outside off, Justin Greaves defends it to short extra cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 80/5
R Chase0 (1)
J Greaves18 (25)
A Jamal3-0-9-1
Length-delivery, just outside off, Roston Chase shoulder arms at it.
Roston Chase is the new man in.
OUT! CAUGHT! Aamer Jamal steps up and gets the wicket of a defensive and rigid knock of Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Jamal bends his back and bashes on the good length to get some bounce off the deck. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to go for a rare heave over the mid-wicket region, but catches the top edge due to some extra bounce. The ball skids up high toward square leg, where Ali Usman does well to settle underneath the skier and takes the catch.
With this delivery, Tagenarine Chanderpaul has faced 100 deliveries and has 35 runs under his name. Fuller, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it down.
Short of a length, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul punches it from his back foot to cover.
Hard-length delivery, on middle, angling in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, on off, Justin Greaves punches it from his back foot through cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 79/4
T Chanderpaul35 (97)
J Greaves17 (24)
M Abbas9-4-12-2
A touch fuller, around leg and middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul works it to square leg.
Full on leg and middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it down the track.
Short, on of a length, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul punches it to mid off.
NO BALL! Mohammad Abbas oversteps and the umpire gives a No Ball. Good length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul shoulder arms at it.
Good-length delivery, outside off, swinging away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul protects the stumps with his bat.
Mohammad Abbas switches his side to get more angle to the batter. Hard-length delivery, shaping it away from the batter. Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it away.
On a nagging length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends the inside line.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 78/4
J Greaves17 (24)
T Chanderpaul35 (90)
A Jamal2-0-8-0
Full, around off and middle, Justin Greaves nudges it to mid-wicket.
Pitches it up, on middle, Justin Greaves works it to mid-wicket.
Full, shaping in, on off and middle, Justin Greaves drives it to mid off and gets a couple of runs.
Shaping in, around off, Justin Greaves pushes it to cover.
Fuller, angling in, on middle and leg, Justin Greaves blocks it down.
Length-delivery, outside off, Justin Greaves eases it to point.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 76/4
T Chanderpaul35 (90)
J Greaves15 (18)
M Abbas8-4-11-2
Hard length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it from the inner part of his bat.
Back of a length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to mid-wicket.
Just a yard behind a good length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends the inside line.
FOUR! More runs for West Indies. Back of a length, angling in, around the hips of the batter. Tagenarine Chanderpaul just helps it away to guide it through short fine leg for a boundary.
Hard-length delivery, outside leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul offers no shot at it.
Back of a length, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to defend it but it misses the outside edge.
A short hydration break for the players! The players are filling themselves with some fluids and some discussion. For Pakistan, they have been phenomenal with the ball. Mohammad Abbas has picked up 2 wickets, whereas Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas chipped in for one. They will look forward to get a couple of more wickets before the end of the play. With that, Mohammad Abbas has been brought back into the attack.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 72/4
T Chanderpaul31 (84)
J Greaves15 (18)
M Ali8-1-27-1
Back of a length, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pulls it from the inner part of his bat to the left of short mid-wicket for a single.
Bumper, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul ducks under it.
Full, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul nudges it to mid on.
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul slaps it to the right of deep point for a brace. The lead is 100 now for West Indies!
Length-delivery, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it to mid off.
Short, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to square leg.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 69/4
T Chanderpaul28 (78)
J Greaves15 (18)
A Jamal1-0-6-0
Full-length delivery, angling down the leg side, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fails to connect his flick and wears on the pad, before it rolls to square leg for a leg bye.
Back of a length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to square leg.
FOUR! Excellent usage of the wrists! Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul rocks back and rolls his wrists, before opening the face of the bat to guide it past the point fielder for the boundary.
Hard length, around middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul nudges it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul swivels on his back foot and pulls it toward the left of the square leg fielder and gets a couple of runs.
Aamer Jamal gets back into the attack and starts off with a hard-length delivery, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul makes a leave at it.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 62/4
J Greaves15 (18)
T Chanderpaul22 (72)
M Ali7-1-24-1
Short of a length, on middle and leg, Justin Greaves pulls it from the sticker part of his bat, toward short fine leg and gets a couple.
Back of a length, just outside off, Justin Greaves pushes it through cover-point and gets a couple of runs.
Mohammad Abbas is doing some stretching. He might rejoin the attack in a while.
A tad fuller, around off, Justin Greaves eases it to cover.
Angling in, on off and middle, Justin Greaves defends it down.
Short of a length, on off and middle, Justin Greaves gets on his toes and bunts it down.
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Justin Greaves nudges it wide of mid-wicket and gets a brace.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 56/4
T Chanderpaul22 (72)
J Greaves9 (12)
K Shahzad8-2-27-1
Short of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to gully.
Good length, spraying down the leg side, Tagenarine Chanderpaul offers no shot at it.
Back of a length, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to cover. Khurram Shahzad yet again oversteps and the umpire signals a No Ball.
Full, on middle and off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it back to the bowler.
A touch fuller, outside off, angling away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul offers a shot but gets beaten with a huge gap.
Hard-length delivery, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul works it to the leg side.
Full, on off, defended by Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 55/4
J Greaves9 (12)
T Chanderpaul22 (65)
M Ali6-1-18-1
FOUR! Lucky runs for Greaves. Just a yard behind a good length, just outside off. Justin Greaves gets on his front foot to defend it, but gets nicked on the outside edge, before it zips through the gap between the slip cordon and gully for four runs.
Serves it on a nagging length, just outside off, Justin Greaves eases it to the off side.
Back of a length, angling in, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
A touch fuller, on off and middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to square leg.
Shaping in, just outside off, on a good length, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it down.
Full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it to mid off.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 50/4
J Greaves5 (10)
T Chanderpaul21 (61)
K Shahzad7-2-26-1
Length-delivery, angling in, on middle, Justin Greaves nudges it to the right of wide mid on fielder to get a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. There is no back up to that throw and the batter gets another run, while the square leg fielder tracks back to clean it up.
NO BALL! Full, on off, Justin Greaves pushes it back to the bowler. The buzzer goes off as Shahzad oversteps.
Good length, just outside off, Justin Greaves prods to cover the off stump and shoulders at it.
Just a yard behind the good length, outside off, Justin Greaves lets it go.
Hard length, outside off, Justin Greaves opens the face of the bat before pushing it toward deep backward point and collects a couple of runs.
Back of a length, on middle and leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul clips it to square leg and gets another single.
Slanting in, on off and middle, Justin Greaves nudges it to square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 43/4
T Chanderpaul20 (60)
J Greaves0 (4)
M Ali5-1-13-1
On a nagging length, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to cover.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it to cover.
Full, on leg and middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to square leg for no runs.
Pitches it up, does Ali, on middle and off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul rests it down.
Bumper, over the stump, Tagenarine Chanderpaul ducks under it.
Fuller, with a hint of an inswinger, on middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul nudges it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 43/4
J Greaves0 (4)
T Chanderpaul20 (54)
K Shahzad6-2-19-1
Full, just outside off, Justin Greaves lets it pass through.
A touch fuller, on off and middle, defended by Greaves.
Good length, on off and middle, Justin Greaves defends it down.
On a length, wide outside off, Justin Greaves makes a leave.
Justin Greaves is the new batter at the crease.
OUT! CASTLED! Oh my goodness, what a match it was. Shai Hope hits the boundary on the first ball of the over. He gets greedy to get a second one, but pays the price. Angling in sharply, pitching it outside off. Shai Hope looks to slog it with the angle of the delivery, but it beats the inside edge and rattles the middle stump. Things got heated up as Khurram Shahzad says something harsh to Shai Hope, who was departing, but the umpire has a word with the bowler to settle things down.
FOUR! That is what a shot of authority defines. Good-length delivery, wide outside off, Shai Hope frees his arms and slaps it through cover for a boundary.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 39/3
T Chanderpaul20 (54)
S Hope6 (6)
M Ali4-0-13-1
Fullish, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul gets behind the line and pushes it back to the bowler.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends the inside line.
On a length, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul keeps it out.
FOUR! Nicely played! Much fuller from Ali, just behind the yorker length, on middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul takes a step across the stumps and flicks it through mid-wicket. The deep fine leg fielder sprints to his right but fails to get there in time. The ball hits the boundary ropes and it's four more runs for Chanderpaul.
Fuller, angling away from the left-handed batter. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to drive it away, but it gets past the outside edge.
Full, on off, defended by Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 35/3
S Hope6 (6)
T Chanderpaul16 (48)
K Shahzad5-2-15-0
FOUR! Edged and away! Good-length delivery, spraying it outside off. Shai Hope looks to defend it with soft hands, but the ball catches the outside edge and drops short to the left of the second slip fielder. He gets some hands on it, but it's not enough to make the stop. The ball dribbles away to deep third for a boundary.
Fuller, angling in, around leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to deep fine leg for a single.
Fuller, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul covers the stumps and eases it to the leg side.
Good length, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it down.
On a nagging length, pitching it just outside off and angling in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul goes deep into the crease and drops his bat down as he sees the ball skids through.
Back of a length, on off and middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to square leg.
We are back for the action to resume after the Tea break. The camera pans on Babar Azam surrounded by his teammates near the boundary ropes. It seems the skipper has a few words to say before they scatter to take the fielding positions. Khurram Shahzad will start. Let's play...
... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...
The game hangs in the balance - Pakistan kept the vice-like grip firm on the game. Mohammad Ali produced a spectacular moment by diving forward to complete a stunning return catch off Amir Jangoo, leaving the hosts gasping at 30/3. Though Shai Hope narrowly survived a close LBW review, Tagenarine Chanderpaul held the fort to see out the session. By Tea, West Indies reached 30/3 with an overall lead of just 59 runs, leaving this thrilling contest perfectly balanced. Join us after the Tea Break in a short while.
Abbas strikes like lightning - Whatever celebration the West Indies enjoyed was short-lived as Pakistan came out breathing fire with the ball. Mohammad Abbas turned the game on its head in a single, devastating fifth over. First, he induced an edge from Brandon King, and just three balls later, he removed first-innings hero Kavem Hodge for a duck. In a flash, West Indies were stunned at 7/2, and their hard-earned lead suddenly felt paper-thin.
West Indies claimed the lead - The second session began with the West Indies eager to wrap up Pakistan's first innings. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali put up a brief, stubborn fight to add 15 runs, but the second new ball changed everything. Kemar Roach struck almost instantly, forcing an edge from Shahzad that was snatched up behind the stumps by Shai Hope. Pakistan were bowled out for 282, giving the hosts a precious 29-run first-innings lead.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 30/3
S Hope2 (5)
T Chanderpaul15 (43)
M Ali3-0-9-1
Good length, on middle, Shai Hope looks to flick it but miscues it through point for a brace. That will be Tea Break on Day 3.
Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Shai Hope leaves it alone.
A tad fuller, outside off, Shai Hope defends it back to the bowler.
Huge shout but nothing from the umpire! Back of a length, on off, Shai Hope is squared up as he looks to block it. Misses it as the ball hits on his pads. A loud appeal but the finger stays down. Babar Azam refers. Ball Tracking shows that it was going over the middle pole. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT.
Fullish, on off, Shai Hope blocks it to cover.
Shai Hope is the next batter in.
OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! What a return catch from Mohammad Ali. Hard length and on leg, it keeps a tad low. Amir Jangoo looks to flick it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries back towards Mohammad Ali, who dives in front and takes the catch just inches above the ground. West Indies are 28/3, leading by 57 runs.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 28/2
T Chanderpaul15 (43)
A Jangoo4 (20)
M Abbas7-4-7-2
Hard length and outside off, left alone by Chanderpaul again.
Slowish, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Fullish, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul steers it through point for a brace.
Good length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Hard length and outside off, and it keeps low. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. They go against the review. The impact was outside off.
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to gully.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 26/2
T Chanderpaul13 (37)
A Jangoo4 (20)
M Ali2-0-7-0
Much fuller, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Full and straight, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it back to the bowler.
Beaten! Hard length, outside off, shaping away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul tries to block it but gets beaten.
Hard length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it to cover.
Fullish again, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul knocks it to mid on.
Much fuller, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 25/2
A Jangoo4 (20)
T Chanderpaul12 (31)
M Abbas6-4-5-2
Down the leg side, Amir Jangoo tries to flick it but misses.
Fullish, on off, Amir Jangoo defends it to point.
Swing and a miss! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Amir Jangoo swings hard but misses.
Back of a length, on leg, Amir Jangoo looks to block it but wears it high on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.
FOUR! Amir Jangoo gets off the mark with a boundary. Full and outside off, Amir Jangoo leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.
Good length, on off, Amir Jangoo pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 21/2
T Chanderpaul12 (31)
A Jangoo0 (14)
M Ali1-0-6-0
Fullish, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul eases it to cover.
Hard length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to mid-wicket.
FOUR! That's a brilliant shot from Tagenarine Chanderpaul! Fullish and on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul picks it well and flicks it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.
Beaten! Hard length and outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul has a waft at it but misses.
Hard length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it through square leg for a brace.
Much fuller, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 15/2
A Jangoo0 (14)
T Chanderpaul6 (25)
M Abbas5-4-1-2
Fullish, on off, Amir Jangoo moves forward and taps it to the right of the bowler.
On top of off, Amir Jangoo punches it to cover.
Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Amir Jangoo tries to drive it but misses.
Hard length, on middle, Amir Jangoo stabs it to mid off.
Fullish, on leg, Amir Jangoo flicks it to square leg.
Good length, on off, Amir Jangoo blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 15/2
T Chanderpaul6 (25)
A Jangoo0 (8)
K Shahzad4-2-10-0
On the stumps, fuller in length, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it back to the bowler.
FOUR! A shot of authority from Tagenarine Chanderpaul! Back of a length, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stays back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Nice and full, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul knocks it to mid on.
Beaten! Hard length, outside off, shaping away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to block it but gets beaten.
FOUR LEG BYES! That's a poor delivery! Khurram Shahzad errs his line down leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 7/2
A Jangoo0 (8)
T Chanderpaul2 (19)
M Abbas4-3-1-2
Angling in, on off, Amir Jangoo pushes it to mid off.
Good length, on middle, Amir Jangoo stabs it back to the bowler.
Beaten! Hard length, outside off, holds the line. Amir Jangoo tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.
Slower one, outside off, Amir Jangoo shoulders arms at it.
Fullish, on middle, Amir Jangoo blocks it to mid off.
Back of a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 7/2
T Chanderpaul2 (19)
A Jangoo0 (2)
K Shahzad3-2-6-0
Good length, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to mid-wicket.
Fullish, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Beaten! Length and outside off, shaping in, Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to block it but gets beaten.
Shaping in, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it to mid on.
Nice and full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it to cover.
Fullish, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 7/2
A Jangoo0 (2)
T Chanderpaul2 (13)
M Abbas3-2-1-2
Angling in, on off, Amir Jangoo blocks it to the gully fielder. A double-wicket maiden from Mohammad Abbas.
Back of a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo leaves it alone.
Two wickets in the over. Amir Jangoo is the next batter.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A similar dismissal and Hodge departs for a duck. Hard length and some extra bounce off the deck, outside off. Hodge is caught by surprise as he looks to block it. The ball brushes his gloves and carries behind the stumps, where Rizwan makes no mistake.
Fullish, on middle, Kavem Hodge stabs it to the right of the bowler.
Back of a length, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it to cover.
Kavem Hodge walks in at number 3.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Hard length and outside off, King looks to block it but misses. A loud appeal for caught behind. The umpire takes a while and sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge does show a spike, and the catch from Rizwan is clean as well. An early breakthrough for Pakistan.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 7/0
T Chanderpaul2 (13)
B King5 (11)
K Shahzad2-1-6-0
Fullish, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to point.
Shaping in, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on off, Brandon King drives it to mid off. Babar Azam dives to his right and makes a magnificent stop. Just a single.
Full again, on middle, Brandon King flicks it to mid-wicket.
FOUR! Uppish and into the gap! Fullish, outside off, Brandon King looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies through backward point for a boundary.
Much fuller, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it through backward square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 1/0
B King0 (8)
T Chanderpaul1 (10)
M Abbas2-1-1-0
Back of a length, on leg, Brandon King looks to flick it but wears it high on his pads. The ball rolls back to the bowler. Dot.
Fullish, on leg, Brandon King flicks it to short mid-wicket.
West Indies are underway! Hard length, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to fine leg for a single.
Nice and full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Length and on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to the on side.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 0/0
B King0 (6)
T Chanderpaul0 (6)
K Shahzad1-1-0-0
Another maiden. Full and straight, Brandon King blocks it to short cover.
Slowish, outside off, Brandon King leaves it alone.
Beaten! Shaping in, outside off, Brandon King has a waft at it but gets beaten on the inside edge.
A tad fuller, on off, Brandon King pushes it to cover.
Just a yard behind good length, on off, Brandon King stands tall and blocks it to the on side.
Shaping in, on off, Brandon King punches it to cover.
Khurram Shahzad to share the attack.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/0
T Chanderpaul0 (6)
B King0 (0)
M Abbas1-1-0-0
Mohammad Abbas starts with a maiden. Hard length and it keeps low, Tagenarine Chanderpaul toe ends it to the slip fielder.
Fullish, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Angling in, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it back to the bowler.
Hard length, on the stumps, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it back to the bowler.
Sways it down leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it again.
Mohammad Abbas starts with a slower one, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Commentary
We are back for the West Indies' second batting innings! Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul will open the innings for the Windies. Mohammad Abbas will start with the proceedings, with two slips and a gully in place. Away we go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
Windies gaining back their control - Masood has carried his good form into Day 3, closing in on a well-deserved century as Pakistan push to overhaul the deficit, with Salman Ali Agha giving him steady support at the other end. The first hour of the morning session on Day 3 was clearly going in favour of the visitors, but things switched very quickly after Shamar Joseph found the breakthrough by eliminating Agha. That incident really shook Pakistan, as wickets were falling one after the other like dominoes. Just before the lunch break, West Indies managed to pick up eight wickets. It took around 50 minutes for the bowlers to find the last two wickets, but they were able to pull it off before it got too late. Pakistan trail by 29 runs, and the West Indies have a good advantage to capitalize on it.
The sturdy top order - Pakistan have batted with real authority, anchored by a superb innings from Shan Masood. After a shaky start that saw them lose their first wicket for just 1 run, openers Imam-ul-Haq and Masood rebuilt the innings with a commanding 155-run second-wicket stand. Imam contributed a fluent 63 off 102 balls before falling to Shamar Joseph late on Day 2, while Masood rode his luck, surviving a dropped chance and a tight lbw shout, to bat through with real composure. Babar Azam fell soon after for 23, leaving Pakistan 199 for 3 at the close of Day 2, still 112 runs adrift.
The stadium is up on their feet - The round of applause for Justin Greaves, not only for picking the FIVE-FER, but also for his best bowling figures in Test cricket. Certainly a day to remember for the 32-year-old. He takes his hat and glasses off and raises the ball while walking to his pavilion.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The second new ball does the trick right away. Kemar Roach scoots from over the wicket and bowls just behind the back of the good length, angling in, but nipping it away late from the batter. Khurram Shahzad makes room and looks to heave it across the line, but gets nicked on the outside edge. Shai Hope shuffles to his left following the angle of the ball, but adjusts really well to leap to his right and pouches the catch into his gloves. Pakistan ended up putting 282 runs on the board, trailing by 29 runs.
West Indies can opt for the second new ball, and they are taking it straight away.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 282/9
M Ali2 (25)
K Shahzad19 (35)
J Seales22-5-73-1
Full, on off, defended by Ali.
Much fuller, swinging in, Mohammad Ali gets beaten on the inside edge while performing the defense and gets pinged on the pad.
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Ali defends it to the off side.
A tad fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad goes for a wild swing and connects the inner part of his bat to deep square leg for one.
Beaten! Good-length delivery, outside off, Khurram Shahzad looks to defend it away from his body and misses the outside edge.
Back of a length, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad misses on his poke.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 281/9
M Ali2 (22)
K Shahzad18 (32)
J Warrican16-1-50-0
Floated and fuller, on off, Mohammad Ali blocks it down.
A touch shorter, outside off, Mohammad Ali fends it out.
Short, angling down the leg side, Ali misses his clip.
Fullish, around middle, Khurram Shahzad knocks it to long on and gets a single. Pakistan trail by 30 runs!
Flighted and fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it back to the bowler.
A touch fuller, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad defends it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 280/9
M Ali2 (19)
K Shahzad17 (29)
J Seales21-5-72-1
A touch fuller, outside off, Mohammad Ali keeps it out.
Bends his back and bashes onto the length, does Seales, on a good length. Mohammad Ali leaps and bunts it down the track.
A touch fuller, around off, but the ball stays low yet again. Mohammad Ali defends it from the toe end of the bat.
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Ali dabs it to cover.
On the fuller side, on off, Mohammad Ali pushes it to cover, wanting a single, but Khurram Shahzad yet again rejects the call. Ali is getting a bit annoyed now.
Pitching it slightly behind the good length, angling in, around leg. Mohammad Ali hops to tuck it but the ball stays low after pitching and hits the pad.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 280/9
K Shahzad17 (29)
M Ali2 (13)
J Warrican15-1-49-0
Full, on off, Shahzad rests it down.
Flighted and fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad drives it gently to cover.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Khurram Shahzad defends it down.
Tossed up, fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad eases it to the left of the bowler.
Short, outside off, Khurram Shahzad slaps it to cover.
Full, on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to cover.
Jomel Warrican has been introduced for the first time on Day 3.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 280/9
M Ali2 (13)
K Shahzad17 (23)
J Seales20-4-72-1
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Ali looks to withdraw his bat but ends up dabing it late to gully.
Good length, just outside off, Mohammad Ali dabs it to cover.
Pushes his length fuller, does Seales, on off. Mohammad Ali rests it down.
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Ali misses his poke.
On a nagging length, angling down the leg side, Mohammad Ali misses on his flick.
Hard-length delivery, angling in, on the top of the off stump. Mohammad Ali hops a bit and dead-bats it to the off side.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 280/9
M Ali2 (7)
K Shahzad17 (23)
K Roach15-2-53-1
A touch fuller, just outside off, Mohammad Ali beautifully steers it past the point fielder. Ali sprints hard for the first run and wants to get the second, but Khurram Shahzad doesn't want to take any risks. Single taken.
Back of a length, outside off, Ali stabs it to cover.
Change of pace from Roach, pitches it up, on off. Khurram Shahzad pushes it to cover.
Back of a length, around off, Mohammad Ali pushes it wide of the cover fielder for a single.
Shaping in, on off and middle, much fuller. Mohammad Ali jams it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, outside off, Ali opens the face of the bat and steers it to gully.
NO BALL! Kemar Roach once again oversteps and gives away a bonus run. Fuller in length, outside off, Mohammad Ali pushes it to gully.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 276/9
K Shahzad16 (22)
M Ali0 (1)
J Seales19-3-72-1
Bouncer, but sprays it down the leg side.
SIX! Connects this one, and connects it pretty well. Short of a length, on off and middle. Khurram Shahzad opens his stance and pulls it up and over the deep mid-wicket fielder for half a dozen. That's the first biggie of the innings!
On the hard length, outside off, Khurram Shahzad keeps it out.
Full-length delivery, on middle and leg. Khurram Shahzad pushes it to mid on.
Full, outside off, Khurram Shahzad looks to poke it away, but fails to get the connection.
Full, on middle, Khurram Shahzad mistimes his punch downtown and gets a brace.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 268/9
M Ali0 (1)
K Shahzad8 (16)
K Roach14-2-49-1
Swinging in, on off, Mohammad Ali offers a front-footed defence.
Angling in, around the pads, fuller in length, Khurram Shahzad misses his flick and gets pinged on his pad, before it rolls to square leg for a leg bye.
Shaping in from wide outside off. Khurram Shahzad misses out on his slog yet again.
Good length, outside off, Khurram Shahzad defends it to cover.
Fullish, outside off, Khurram Shahzad clears his front foot and tries to slog it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
On a length, outside off, Khurram Shahzad looks to poke at it but misses.
Mohammad Ali is the last man in. Kemar Roach to bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 267/9
M Abbas0 (8)
K Shahzad8 (11)
J Greaves11-6-27-5
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Justin Greaves gets his well deserved FIVE-FER. This is a wobble seam from Greaves, keeping it in the channel outside off. The ball nips a bit in and takes the outside edge of the batter as Mohammad Abbas looks to defend it away from his body. Shai Hope bends low to his front and gloves the catch safely.
Just a yard behind a good length, outside off, Mohammad Abbas makes a leave at it.
Swinging in, attacking the off stump. Mohammad Abbas lunges and blocks it to the off side.
Bends his back and offers a bouncer, outside off, Mohammad Abbas defends the inside line.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, Mohammad Abbas shoulder arms at it.
Fuller in length, just outside off, Mohammad Abbas drives it to cover.
We are back after the Lunch break! The players are slowly taking over the field. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad will continue their innings and they will try to take the lead. Justin Greaves will start after the break. Let's play...
... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...
Nervy session leaves Pakistan 8 down - Pakistan trail West Indies by 44 runs at the Lunch break, having lost eight wickets. The morning started with so much promise that turned into a nervy, attritional battle. It won't be a surprise if the tail enders start swinging the bat just after the break is over. They would be happy if they get a lead out of it, but their focus would be on how to get through the opposition's top order before the end of the day. On the other hand, it's no brainer that the hosts would like to bundle out Pakistan and start their second batting innings as fast as they can. Alright folks, the Lunch break is set to wrap up at around 4.40 pm GMT, so make sure you are back in time and glued to your screens, as you would not want to miss a single moment of what has been a riveting encounter. We will see you right back here shortly!
Windies roar back - The morning session, however, told a story of West Indies fighting back with tremendous heart. Pakistan trailed by 75 runs as the session deepened, and West Indies' bowlers, led by a disciplined Shamar Joseph and the lively Justin Greaves. In the first hour, they were getting fortunate enough to get the wickets, but just after the drinks break, they were back in action. They kept chipping away at regular intervals and refusing to let Pakistan's lower middle order settle. First it started with Salman Agha, none other than Joseph, who stepped up to break the 47-strong partnership. Then Greaves got the wicket of Masood, who scored 109 off 184 balls. After that, it was Mohammad Rizwan, Aamer Jamal and Ali Usman who fell in the session, and each dismissal gave the Brian Lara Stadium crowd a fresh burst of noise and energy.
LUNCH BREAK - Day 3 at the Brian Lara Stadium began with all eyes on one man, Shan Masood, resuming on an overnight 88, closing in on what would be a monumental seventh Test century and his first since being stripped of the Pakistan captaincy. Masood had ridden his luck throughout his innings, surviving edges through the slip cordon and a sharp chance to Jomel Warrican, but he had grown in stature with every over, and his composure at the crease alongside Salman Agha gave Pakistan every reason for optimism heading into the morning. Cracks were already visible around the good length areas at the Brian Lara Stadium, and the surface was beginning to show its age, and one that would demand everything from Pakistan's batters.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 267/8
K Shahzad8 (11)
M Abbas0 (2)
S Joseph16-2-58-2
FOUR! Top shot from Khurram Shahzad! Back of a length, on middle, Khurram Shahzad swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. That will be Lunch on Day 3.
Back of a length, on off, Khurram Shahzad fends it back to the bowler.
Fullish, on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to cover.
Nice and full, on off, Khurram Shahzad blocks it back to the bowler.
Full and outside off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to point.
FOUR! Streaky from Khurram Shahzad! Hard length, outside off, Khurram Shahzad looks to punch it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball flies over backward point for a boundary.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 259/8
M Abbas0 (2)
K Shahzad0 (5)
J Greaves10-5-27-4
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Abbas looks to block it but edges it to the slip fielder.
Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Abbas eases it to the cover fielder.
Another one falls. Mohammad Abbas is the next batter.
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What a comeback this has been from the West Indies. Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Mohammad Rizwan stays back and looks to slap it but gets a faint edge. The ball carries behind, and Shai Hope makes no mistake. Pakistan are 259/8, trailing by 52 runs now.
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to mid off.
Angling in, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to cover.
Fullish, on off, Mohammad Rizwan digs it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 259/7
K Shahzad0 (5)
M Rizwan12 (13)
K Roach13-1-49-1
Length and on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to the gully fielder.
An appeal but turned down! Hard length, on leg, Khurram Shahzad looks to block it but wears it on his pads. An appeal but nothing from the umpire. Perhaps an inside edge.
Shaping in, on off, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
Too full, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it to cover.
A tad fuller, on leg, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to extra cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 256/7
K Shahzad0 (3)
M Rizwan9 (9)
J Greaves9-4-27-3
Nice and full, on middle, Khurram Shahzad blocks it to mid off.
Shaping in, on off, Khurram Shahzad blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it to extra cover.
Khurram Shahzad walks in to bat now.
OUT! LBW! Another one for Justin Greaves. Ali Usman sends it upstairs to have a check. Length, angling in, on middle. Ali Usman looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Ali Usman refers. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Pakistan are 256/7, trailing by 55 runs now.
Hard length, on leg, Ali Usman tucks it to mid-wicket.
Past the edge! Slower one, outside off, Ali Usman tries to block it but gets beaten.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 256/6
M Rizwan9 (9)
A Usman0 (4)
S Joseph15-2-50-2
FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Shamar errs his line down leg, Mohammad Rizwan uses the pace of the ball and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary.
Hard length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan eases it to extra cover.
Angling in, on off, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it to mid off.
Angling in, on off, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
Back of a length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms at it.
Much fuller, on leg, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it through backward square leg for a brace.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 248/6
A Usman0 (4)
M Rizwan1 (3)
J Greaves8-3-27-2
Back of a length, on off, Ali Usman fends it back to the bowler.
Nice and full, on leg, Ali Usman flicks it to mid-wicket.
Much fuller, outside off, Ali Usman leaves it alone.
Full and straight, Ali Usman blocks it back to the bowler.
Ali Usman walks in.
OUT! TIMBER! Aamer Jamal falls now. Fullish, on middle, with a hint of movement. Aamer Jamal leans on and looks to drive it but gets beaten as the ball rattles over the stumps. Pakistan go 6 down now and they are trailing by 63 runs.
Fullish, on middle, Aamer Jamal eases it to mid on.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 248/5
M Rizwan1 (3)
A Jamal3 (3)
S Joseph14-2-42-2
Too full, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to cover.
A tad fuller, on leg, Aamer Jamal flicks it through mid-wicket. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
Good length, on leg, Aamer Jamal tucks it to mid-wicket.
Nice and full, on off, Aamer Jamal pushes it to mid off.
Hard length, on leg, Mohammad Rizwan whips it through backward square leg for a single.
Full and straight, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to mid off.
Shan Masood walks back after a fine knock. Aamer Jamal walks in to bat now.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 244/5
S Masood109 (184)
M Rizwan0 (0)
J Greaves7-2-27-1
OUT! CHOPPED ON! On the money from Justin Greaves. Another one falls for Pakistan. Hard length and outside off, just shapes in, Shan Masood leans on and looks to drive it but gets a thick inside edge as the ball rattles over the off pole. Pakistan are 244/5, trailing by 67 runs now.
Angling in, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to cover.
Hard length, outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone towards the keeper.
Fullish, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to the cover fielder.
Another one outside off, Shan Masood leaves again.
Fullish, outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone.
Mohammad Rizwan is the new batter in.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 244/4
S Agha20 (60)
S Masood109 (178)
S Joseph13-2-38-2
OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Shamar Joseph. A wicket-maiden from him as well. Hard length, on off, and it just shapes away at the last moment. Salman Agha is squared up as he looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball rattles over the stumps. Salman Agha walks back into the shed. Pakistan are 244/4, trailing by 67 runs now.
Much fuller, on off, Salman Agha eases it to cover.
Hard length, on off, Salman Agha pushes it to cover.
Past the edge! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Salman Agha has a waft at it but misses.
Hard length, on off, Salman Agha punches it to short cover.
Fullish, on off, Salman Agha blocks it to mid on.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 244/3
S Masood109 (178)
S Agha20 (54)
J Greaves6-1-27-0
Beaten! Slowish, outside off, Shan Masood tries to cut it but misses.
Much fuller, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to cover.
Three runs! Fullish, outside off, Salman Agha drives it through covers. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
A tad fuller, outside off, Salman Agha stabs it to the point fielder.
Angling in, on a length, Salman Agha punches it to the cover fielder.
Shaping away, outside off, Salman Agha leaves the harmless delivery.
DRINKS BREAK! A flawless first hour for Pakistan. Yes, the Windies pacers have found numerous edges, but they were not fortunate enough to get certain chances. Salman Agha gets to his seventh century and his first against this particular opposition. Salman Agha was looking a bit nervy, but he has settled well to partner up with Masood. Maybe the hosts might bring Jomel Warrican to see whether the pitch provides some turn, as the pacers have failed to capitalize on the morning moisture on the surface.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 241/3
S Masood109 (176)
S Agha17 (50)
S Joseph12-1-38-1
Pitches it up, does Joseph, on off, Shan Masood brings out his solid defence, toward the left of the bowler.
Full, on leg and middle, Shan Masood works it to square leg.
A touch fuller, angling away from the left-hander. Shan Masood pushes it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha punches it hard toward cover. The fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single take. Pakistan trail by 70 runs now.
On a good length, outside off, Shan Masood punches it to deep cover for a single.
A tad fuller, around off, Agha punches it toward the right of backward point and gets a single.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 238/3
S Masood108 (172)
S Agha15 (48)
J Greaves5-1-24-0
Slanting in, on middle, Shan Masood clips it to the left of the deep square leg fielder and collects a couple of runs.
On a nagging length, outside off, Shan Masood shoulders arms at it.
Good length, on off, Shan Masood plants his front foot and rests it down.
Hard length, around off, Shan Masood fends it to cover.
FOUR! Easy pickings for Masood! Back of a length, angling in, around the hips of the batter. Shan Masood takes a step across the stumps and helps it away through fine leg for another boundary.
Back of a length, around middle, Shan Masood tucks it to square leg.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 232/3
S Agha15 (48)
S Masood102 (166)
S Joseph11-1-35-1
Good-length delivery, outside off, Salman Agha dabs it late to point.
Swinging away, on a good length, outside off, Salman Agha is happy to let it pass through.
Shaping in, but nipping it a shade away. Salman Agha defends it right under his eyes.
On the back of a good length, outside off, Salman Agha lets it travel to the keeper.
And again! Angling in, around the pads of the batter. Salman Agha misses to flick and wears on the pad.
Salman Agha is having a bit of trouble facing the angling in deliveries! Pitches it up, does Shamar Joseph, shaping in, attacking the stumps. Salman Agha eases it toward cover from the outer half of the bat.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 232/3
S Masood102 (166)
S Agha15 (42)
J Seales18-3-64-1
Full-length delivery, pitching it just outside off and nipping away. Shan Masood looks to turn it with the angle of the ball, but gets the leading edge, before it rolls past the cover fielder for a couple of runs.
Much fuller, just outside off, nipping in. Salman Agha pushes it from the outer half of his willow through point to get across for a single.
Full, on middle and leg, Salman Agha works it to square leg.
Just a yard behind a good length, outside off, Salman Agha pushes it to cover.
Shaping in, on leg, Salman Agha nudges it to square leg.
FOUR! Now that's a shot without any fear. Hard-length delivery, offering a lot of width outside off. Salman Agha frees his arms and spanks it through point and cover for a boundary.
Double change? Nope, Jayden Seales will continue. Also, it's a change of gloves for Salman Agha.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 225/3
S Masood100 (165)
S Agha10 (37)
S Joseph10-0-35-1
Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood dabs it down.
Full, outside off, Shan Masood eases it back to the bowler.
On a length, outside off, Salman Agha punches it to the right of the backward point fielder for a single.
Full-length delivery, outside off, swinging a shade inward. Salman Agha looks to defend it away from his body and the ball gets into the gap between bat and pad.
HUNDRED FOR MASOOD! His innings has been full of resilience and grit, and he showed us how important patience is in Test cricket. Back of a length, around off, Shan Masood hops a bit and pushes it into the gap between cover and point for a single to get his seventh Test century and first one against the Windies.
Oh, so close! Pitching it just behind the good length, around off and nips it away. Shan Masood looks to push it toward mid off but gets beaten on the outside edge.
First change on Day 3. Shamar Joseph rejoins the attack.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 223/3
S Agha9 (35)
S Masood99 (161)
J Seales17-3-57-1
Angling in, on off, Salman Agha blocks it to mid on.
Much fuller, on off, Salman Agha stabs it to mid off.
Beaten! Slowish and outside off, Salman Agha tries to block it but misses.
Shaping away, outside off, Shan Masood steers it through covers for a single. He moves to 99 now.
Fullish again, on off, Shan Masood stabs it to cover.
Nice and full, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 222/3
S Agha9 (32)
S Masood98 (158)
K Roach12-1-46-1
Hard length, just outside off, Salman Agha dabs it late to backward point.
NO BALL! Full, on off, Salman Agha pushes it to mid off. The buzzer goes off and it's yet another overstepping from Roach.
FOUR! Edged and into the gap. Lucky escape for Salman Agha. Good-length delivery, outside off, shaping it away a shade. Salman Agha looks to block it with soft hands, but catches the outside edge, before it rolls into the gap between slip cordon and gully for a boundary.
Pushes his length fuller again, just outside off, Salman Agha drives it to cover.
Hard length, outside off, Salman Agha makes a leave at it.
Fires a fuller one, outside off, Salman Agha slices it to backward point.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 216/3
S Agha5 (26)
S Masood97 (157)
J Seales16-3-56-1
FOUR! That will surely help Agha to get some confidence. Full-length delivery, on the fourth stump, swinging it away. Salman Agha leans on it and drives it beautifully through cover for four runs.
A touch fuller, outside off, Salman Agha pushes it from the inner part of his bat to mid on.
Hard-length delivery, on off and middle, Salman Agha rests it down.
Back of a length, around off, Agha fends it away.
Full, nipping in, around off and middle. Shan Masood takes a step across the stumps and flicks it to deep fine leg for a single.
Length-delivery, outside off, Shan Masood punches it to mid off.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 211/3
S Agha1 (22)
S Masood96 (155)
K Roach11-1-40-1
Full, outside off, Salman Agha pushes it to the left of cover.
Much fuller, on off and midde. Salman Agha drives it to mid on.
OVERTHROWS! That is a very silly mistake from the fielder. Back of a length, around off, Shan Masood dabs it toward the cover fielder and gets a quick single. The batters comfortably got the single, but Tagenarine Chanderpaul throws it at the striker's end, where there is no backup to it. The ball races away toward deep fine leg and it's a run plus four runs for Pakistan.
On a nagging length, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to mid on.
Pitches it up, does Roach, on off and middle, Shan Masood defends it down the track.
A tad fuller, just outside off, Shan Masood works it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 206/3
S Agha1 (20)
S Masood91 (151)
J Seales15-3-51-1
Shaping in sharply, around the pads. Salman Agha fails to clip it and gets pinged on the pad.
Full, outside off, Salman Agha drives it to mid off.
Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha rocks back to bunt it toward cover, but it just sniffs the outside edge.
Length-delivery, outside off, Shan Masood steers it toward left of backward point for a single.
Full, on off, defended by Massod.
Fuller, around the pads, Shan Masood shuffles across the stumps and misses his flick. The ball brushes off the pad. Hope dives to his right to parry away the ball and the batter gets two leg byes.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 203/3
S Agha1 (17)
S Masood90 (148)
K Roach10-1-35-1
Huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger of the umpire. Salman Agha has a word with his partner and takes the review. This one is on a good length, pitching it just outside off and nipping in. Salman Agha tries to defend it down, but it sneaks past the inside edge and hits the front pad. The UltraEdge shows no bat involvement, but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing down the leg side.
Beaten! Pressure on Agha! Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha tries to push it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
A substitute fielder comes in running to give Shai Hope a helmet as he will be standing close to the wicket. Why? Because Salman Agha was taking his stance much away from the crease to kiil the swing.
Pitches it up, on off, Salman Agha eases it to cover-point.
NO BALL! Roach overstepped and the umpire signals No Ball. On the fuller side, on off, defended by Salman Agha.
On a nagging length, outside off, Salman Agha pushes it to cover.
Another delivery nipping in toward the off stump. Salman Agha gets on his front and defends from the inner part of his bat. Kemar Roach suddenly turns after his follow-through, appealing for LBW. He thinks he gets the pad first, but the umpire shakes his head. Even though he got the pad, the impact is surely outside off.
Angling in, fuller in length, on off. Salman Agha gets on his front foot and defends it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 202/3
S Masood90 (148)
S Agha1 (10)
J Seales14-3-50-1
Angling in, on middle and leg, Shan Masood works it to mid-wicket.
Much fuller, swinging in, outside off, Shan Masood lunges to drive it through the gap in cover, but inner edges it back to his pad.
Shan Masood agonises in pain. The physio is applying some magic spray on the index finger of his left hand and it's surely stinging Masood. All good to continue.
Hard length, around off, nipping in. Shan Masood looks to bunt it toward cover, but the ball gets some extra bounce and hits the bottom hand.
Jayden Seales switches his side and comes round the wicket to bowl the righty. Back of a length, just outside off, Salman Agha dabs it into the gap between cover and point and gets a single to get off the mark after facing 10 deliveries.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Shan Masood pushes it with soft hands toward the right of the mid off fielder and gets a quick single.
Just a yard behind a good length, around off, Shan Masood dabs it down.
Jayden Seales will bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 200/3
S Masood89 (143)
S Agha0 (9)
K Roach9-1-34-1
Half-volley delivery, around off, Shan Masood drives it toward cover. The fielder in the region dives to his left and makes a half save. The batter gets a single.
Beaten! A touch fuller, pitching it just outside off and swinging it away. Shan Masood gets on his front foot to drive it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Oh, that one stays pretty low! Pitches on a hard length, outside off, Shan Masood looks to punch it away from his back foot but it skids through and beats the under edge.
Much fuller, outside off, Shan Masood jams it to mid off.
Another fuller in length, just outside off, Shan Masood pushes it to mid off.
Good-length delivery, just outside off, Shan Masood lunges and drives it neatly to cover.
All set to start the action on this Moving Day of Test cricket! The umpires are already on the ground waiting for the players to take over the field. Out come Shan Masood and Salman Agha to continue their innings. Kemar Roach will start the proceedings from around the wicket to the left-hander, with a wide slip and two gullies in place. Away we go...
PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is along the pitchside with his valuable insights. He noted that the ground was bathed in sunshine, expressing hope that the weather remains good for the day's play and throughout the duration of the Test match. About the track, he described it as a surface still building its reputation, remarking that while it is trustworthy for the most part, a few deliveries tend to deceive. He pointed out that they are monitoring the cracks on the surface, observing that they are definitely increasing, particularly on a good length. He highlighted that lateral movement is still available off the pitch, though he emphasized that bowlers must hit a fuller length to extract it and concluded by saying that hitting that exact fuller length during the first hour of Day 3 will be crucial for the bowlers.
The bowling coach of West Indies - Ravi Rampaul is up for a chat. He stated that he feels his bowlers need to remain consistent with their lines and lengths, believing that opportunities will naturally arise if they do so. Regarding the dismissal by Jayden Seales, the coach described him as a phenomenal bowler whose raw pace serves as his key asset. Adds that Seales' ability to nip the ball both in and out at that high speed, is a crucial asset for any bowler to possess. On being asked about the bowling fitness of Roston Chase, Rampaul says that he still have a bit of pain when he tries to bowl and that is the reason why they are not taking any risk. On the plans for Day 3, he says that the plan is to use the moisture on the track in the first hour. Adds that Pakistan were very disciplined with their bowling in the morning session on Day 2 and reckons that is exactly what they need to do as a team.
A crucial morning session awaits - The conditions in Trinidad look fantastic today with clear skies overhead and optimal pitch conditions for batting early on. Moving day usually defines the direction of a Test, and both teams have everything to play for. Will Pakistan dominate with the bat and set up the match, or will the West Indies pacers fight back to throw this game wide open? We shall find out soon.
West Indies searching for discipline - West Indies will realize they let the game slip slightly by bowling too short during the second session on Day 2. Their bowling unit needs to regain the tight line and length that earned them success earlier in the match. Removing Shan Masood early in the morning will be priority number one. If Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales can strike early with the hard ball, the hosts can expose Pakistan's lower order and restrict the lead to keep the game balanced.
Pakistan aiming for a massive lead - For Pakistan, the main learning from yesterday was that proactive intent can break the rhythm of the West Indian attack. Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq showed that boundary options are available once you survive the initial spell. Today, the middle-order batters need to avoid soft dismissals and turn this solid start into a commanding first innings lead. Wiping out the remaining deficit early and driving the total well past 350 will put immense pressure on the hosts.
Welcome to moving day at Tarouba - Hello and welcome back to the Brian Lara Cricket Academy for Day 3 of this compelling Test match between West Indies and Pakistan. It is officially moving day in Tarouba, and the contest is set up brilliantly. Pakistan ended Day 2 on 199/3, trailing by just 112 runs after captain Shan Masood led the charge with an outstanding unbeaten 88. With seven wickets in hand, the visitors are poised to push ahead, but in Test cricket, one good morning session can flip the match on its head.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
That's all for Day 2 - And that wraps up an exciting Day 2. Following today's early start, tomorrow will also feature an early start at 1.30 pm GMT. Make sure to tune in so you don't miss a single moment of the action, or join us a bit earlier for all the pre-match buildup. Cheers, and see you then!
Pakistan still on top - Pakistan maintained their relentless grip on the final session, as Imam-ul-Haq comfortably reached a well-crafted half-century alongside his skipper. West Indies managed a brief fightback when Shamar Joseph dismissed Imam for 63 and Jayden Seales sent Babar Azam packing, but Shan Masood and Agha Salman quickly steadied the ship. Navigating the remaining overs without any further stumbles, the pair guided the visitors safely to 199/3 at Stumps, leaving them trailing by just 112 runs.
A quick chat - Imam-ul-Haq is in for a chat. He starts off saying that when they came out to bat, he had planned that he needed to leave the ball, which was not a threat, and he very well knew that the ball would swing a lot. About their performance in the first innings, he says that they didn't have their best of the day, but they started the day two fresh and utilized the new ball to pick quick wickets.
The blistering counter-punch - Refusing to sink into survival mode, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq responded with fearless aggression. The duo turned the game on its head, smashing crisp boundaries and racing past the 50-run mark in under 9 overs. Shan played a majestic knock, bringing up a sparkling half-century off just 46 balls. Despite a close DRS scare for a caught-behind call, Pakistan rode their luck and took full command, reaching 96/1 at Tea.
An early shock for Pakistan - The afternoon session began in a flash as Mohammad Ali quickly wrapped up the West Indies tail, trapping Hope for 92 and folding the hosts for 311. But Pakistan’s joy was short-lived. Stepping onto the field with the new ball, veteran Kemar Roach delivered an instant shocker, clean bowling young opener Azan Awais for a duck in just the third over. At 1/1, West Indies suddenly had all the momentum.
A battle of grit and fire - Day 2 kicked off with an intense tug-of-war in the morning session. Pakistan’s seamers came out breathing fire, with Khurram Shahzad breaking the overnight stand by removing Kavem Hodge early. But Shai Hope stood like a rock for the West Indies, weathering a relentless storm of probing seam bowling and making Pakistan pay for a dropped catch. Coupled with an entertaining late blitz from Shamar Joseph, the hosts gritted their way to 303/7 by Lunch.
Out comes the light meter once again, and this time the umpires decide it's too dark to play on. That's a wrap for today. It is officially Stumps on Day 2!
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 199/3
S Agha0 (9)
S Masood88 (137)
J Seales13-3-48-1
Hard-length delivery, just outside off, Salman Agha tries to block it on his front foot but it zips past the outside edge.
Another good-length delivery, attacking the off stump. Salman Agha shows the full face of the bat and defends it down.
Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha looks to dab it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Back of a length, outside off, Salman Agha lifts his bat and lets it travel to the keeper.
Hard length, outside off, Shan Masood dabs it to the right of the cover for a single.
Hang on a minute folks! The light meter is out and the umpire is checking the readings. All good to continue.
Hits the deck hard on a good length, outside off, Shan Masood lunges and looks to push it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 198/3
S Agha0 (5)
S Masood87 (135)
J Warrican14-0-49-0
Full, outside off, Salman Agha drives it to cover.
A touch fuller, on off and middle, Salman Agha works it to mid-wicket.
Flatter and full, on off, Salman Agha eases it back to the bowler.
Tossed up, fuller, on middle, Salman Agha jams it back to the bowler.
Shrt, around middle, Salman Agha tucks it to square leg.
Short, on middle, Shan Masood tucks it to square leg and gets a single.
Salman Agha walks up to the middle.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 197/3
B Azam23 (38)
S Masood86 (134)
J Seales12-3-47-1
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! That's a huge wicket for the Windies and it's Jayden Seales who stepped up to get the big fish. Back of a length, keeping the line just outside off, not much movement on this delivery. Babar Azam covers the stumps and hops a bit to defend the inside line, but the ball just kisses the outside edge, and Shai Hope shuffles to his right to pouch the catch.
Full, just outside off, Babar Azam pushes it to wide mid on.
On a nagging length, around off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Good-length delivery, outside off, Babar Azam lets it pass through.
Fires another fuller on, on off, Babar Azam blocks it right under his eyesight.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Babar Azam nudges it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 197/2
S Masood86 (134)
B Azam23 (32)
J Warrican13-0-48-0
Fullish, around off, Shan Masood tucks it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder, but he does well to make a diving stop.
Short, outside off, Shan Masood punches it to cover for no runs.
Tossed up, fuller, around off, Shan Masood flicks it to short mid-wicket.
Short, on off, Masood turns it to mid-wicket.
Full-length delivery, around off, Babar Azam presses forward and drives it past the cover fielder and gets three runs.
Short, just outside off, Shan Masood pushes it to cover for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 193/2
S Masood85 (129)
B Azam20 (31)
J Seales11-2-47-0
Full-length delivery, angling in, on off and middle. Shan Masood nudges it to mid on and gets a single.
Much fuller, on off, shaping in, Shan Masood tucks it to square leg.
Another huge appeal for LBW, but turned down. This time, Roston Chase opts instantly. This is much fuller, just behind the yorker, swinging in, around middle. Shan Masood gets his front foot out, but gets locked as the ball shapes in. He looks to dig it out, but hits his boots. The UltraEdge shows that the ball hits the foot first. The Ball Tracking pops up and shows that the impact hitting the boot is umpire's call. West Indies retains the review, but the on-field decision stands on.
Much fuller, outside off, Babar Azam pushes it through cover for a single.
Pitches it up, on off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off for a single.
Low full toss, on off, Shan Masood tucks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 190/2
B Azam19 (30)
S Masood83 (124)
J Warrican12-0-44-0
Short, around off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
FOUR! What a shot this is from Babar! Short of a length, on off, Babar Azam rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
Short, around off, Shan Masood pushes it to the left of mid on for one run.
Angling in, full, around middle, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Short, on off, Shan Masood tuck it to mid on.
Fuller, around the pads, Babar Azam tucks it to the right of the short leg and gets a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 184/2
S Masood82 (121)
B Azam14 (27)
J Seales10-2-44-0
On a naging length, just outside off, Masood rests it to the off side.
Full, on off, defended by Masood.
Full, on off, Shan Masood drives it back to the bowler. Jayden Seales on his follow-through, gets down and half-stops it. The ball deflects toward the stumps at the bowler's end and knocks off the bails. However, Babar Azam is well inside the crease.
On a nagging length, outside off, angling in. Shan Masood lunges to cover the stumps and lets it go.
Bumper, outside off, Shan Masood tries to pat it toward cover, but gets the inside edge and it bounce dead on the deck.
Good-length delivery, pitching it outside off and swinging it away. Shan Masood looks to defend on his front foot but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Drinks! Although Shamar Joseph gave the West Indies a brief glimmer of hope by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood and Babar Azam quickly restored Pakistan’s dominance to reach 184/2. With the deficit cut to just 127 runs, the hosts now desperately need a late miraculous spell before Stumps to stay in the match. Let's see how it ends...
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 184/2
S Masood82 (115)
B Azam14 (27)
J Warrican11-0-38-0
A bit short, on off, Shan Masood knocks it to long on for a single.
Edgy! Flatter, on off, Babar Azam looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They cross.
Flatter, on middle, Babar Azam defends it back to the bowler again.
Gives it air, on off, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.
Flatter, on leg, Shan Masood taps it to long on for a run.
Much fuller, on leg, Shan Masood digs it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 181/2
S Masood80 (112)
B Azam13 (24)
J Seales9-1-44-0
Nice and full, on leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but miscues it to point for a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood punches it to the cover fielder.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood shoulders arms at it.
Hard length, on leg, Shan Masood tucks it to mid-wicket.
Keeps it full, outside off, Babar Azam knocks it to mid off for a single.
Fullish, on leg, Babar Azam flicks it to square leg.
Jayden Seales (8-1-42-0) is back on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 179/2
B Azam12 (22)
S Masood79 (108)
J Warrican10-0-35-0
Tossed up, outside off, Babar Azam pushes it to left of cover for a single.
Nice and full, on middle, Babar Azam leans on and blocks it to the left of the bowler.
Flatter, on middle, Babar Azam blocks it to mid on.
Gives it air, on off, Shan Masood eases it to mid on for a single.
Fullish, on off, Shan Masood eases it back to the bowler.
Tossed up, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 177/2
B Azam11 (19)
S Masood78 (105)
S Joseph9-0-33-1
Keeps it full again, outside off, Babar Azam pushes it to cover.
Too full, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to mid off.
Nice and full, on off, Babar Azam drives it to the cover fielder.
Angling in, on leg, Shan Masood tucks it through backward square leg for a single.
Fuller, on middle and leg, Shan Masood flicks it toward the left of the deep fine leg. Jomel Warrican runs toward his left from the deep square leg region and dives to save two runs for his team.
A tad fuller, on middle, Babar Azam flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 173/2
B Azam10 (15)
S Masood75 (103)
J Warrican9-0-33-0
A touch fuller, outside off, Babar Azam slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Oh, just misses the outside edge! Jomel Warrican gives this one a bit more flight, pitching on off and turning it away. Babar Azam gets his front foot out to defend, but it just sniffs past the outside edge.
Full, on off, Babar Azam pushes it down the track.
Pitches it up, does Warrican, around the pads, Babar Azam turns it to mid-wicket.
Floated up, fuller, on off, Azam defends it to the off side.
Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam drives it back to the bowler.
Jomel Warrican gets back into the attack.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 172/2
S Masood75 (103)
B Azam9 (9)
S Joseph8-0-29-1
On the fuller side, outside off, Shan Masood drives it through cover. The deep backward point runs to his left and cuts it to two runs.
Fullish, outside off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off.
Just a yard behind the good length, on the top of the off stump. Shan Masood nudges it to mid-wicket.
Good-length delivery, just outside off, Shan Masood gets his body behind the line and defends it down.
Pitches it up, outside off, Shan Masood drives it to the right of mid off.
On a nagging length, around off, Shan Masood defends it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 170/2
B Azam9 (9)
S Masood73 (97)
J Seales8-1-42-0
FOUR! Piercing the gap with ease. Hard-length delivery, just outside off. Babar Azam gets on his back foot and punches it away, between the cover and wide mid off fielders for four more runs.
FOUR! Up and over! Back of a length once again, offering a lot of width, outside off. Babar Azam hangs back and slaps it over the cover region for a boundary.
Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam offers no shot at it.
NO BALL! Good-length delivery, outside off, swinging away. Babar Azam lets it travel to the keeper. The umpire signals no ball as Seales overstepped.
Short of a length, outside off, Babar Azam leaves it away.
On a nagging length, around off, Azam pushes it to cover.
Full, outside off, Babar Azam drives it away.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 161/2
S Masood73 (97)
B Azam1 (2)
S Joseph7-0-27-1
FOUR LEG BYES! Huge appeal for LBW, but the umpire shakes his head. Shamar Joseph asks his skipper to take the review, but after a brief discussion with the keeper, the skipper opts against it. Full-length delivery, pitching on middle and shaping in. Shan Masood looks to flick it away, but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls away through short fine leg for four runs. It seems that it might just miss the leg stump.
Angling in, on off, Babar Azam taps it to cover-point for a single.
Full and outside off, Babar Azam pushes it to point.
Babar Azam walks in to bat now.
OUT! TAKEN! Finally, the partnership is broken. Hard length and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards the slip region where Justin Greaves dives to his left and takes a magnificent catch. Pakistan are 156/2, trailing by 155 runs now.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it.
FOUR LEG BYES! That's a poor delivery! He errs his line down leg, Imam-ul-Haq looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 152/1
S Masood73 (96)
Imam63 (99)
J Warrican8-0-32-0
Full and straight, Shan Masood blocks it to mid on.
Flatter, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq slaps it to point for a single.
Much fuller, on middle, Shan Masood knocks it to mid on for a single. A 150-run partnership comes up between Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq now.
Gives it air, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to cover.
Much fuller, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back to the bowler.
Tossed up, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. 150 comes up for Pakistan.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 148/1
Imam62 (98)
S Masood70 (91)
S Joseph6-0-26-0
FOUR! Absolutely glorious from Imam-ul-Haq! Full and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leans onto it and drives it through wide of mid off for a boundary.
Keeps it full, on leg, Shan Masood tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Too full, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket. Another frontfoot no ball from Shamar Joseph.
Much fuller, on middle, Shan Masood eases it to mid on.
Fullish, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Hits the deck hard, on off, Shan Masood punches it to cover.
Angling in, outside off, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. It's a frontfoot no ball from Shamar Joseph.
Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to short cover.
DRINKS BREAK! Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq are doing what they have been asked to do, to bat till the end of the day. They are halfway through the line, but another halfway to survive, which is not looking that hard for them. West Indies are desperately looking to break this partnership, but no one would know it better that once a partnership gets settled, it's not easy to break it on this pitch.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 141/1
Imam58 (97)
S Masood69 (84)
J Warrican7-0-28-0
Fuller in length, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it back to the bowler.
Full, on off, Imam-ul-Haq flicks it to square leg.
Drags his length back, does Warrican, on off, Shan Masood pushes it through mid on for a single.
Full, on off, Shan Masood goes deep into the crease and works it to mid-wicket.
Full, around off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it with soft hands toward cover and gets a quick single.
Tossed up, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq defends it down.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 139/1
Imam57 (93)
S Masood68 (82)
S Joseph5-0-19-0
A touch fuller, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it a little late to guide it through point for a single.
Full-length delivery, on off, Imam-ul-Haq defends it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it away.
Fullish, around off and middle, Imam-ul-Haq nudges it to the left of the bowler.
Back of a length, just outside off, Imam-ul-Haq defends it from his back foot.
Just behind the good length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders at it.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 138/1
S Masood68 (82)
Imam56 (87)
J Warrican6-0-26-0
Full-length delivery, on off, Shan Masood pushes it back to the bowler.
Full, on off, Imam-ul-Haq comes down the track and knocks it to long on for a single.
Full, on off, turning in, Imam-ul-Haq works it to short mid-wicket.
A touch fuller, on off and middle, Shan Masood nudges it to wide long on for a single.
Pitches it up, on off, Imam-ul-Haq nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
Fullish, around middle, Imam-ul-Haq defends it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 135/1
S Masood67 (80)
Imam54 (83)
K Roach8-1-33-1
Beats the outside edge! Good-length delivery, outside off, Shan Masood gets on his front foot to defend, but it zips past the outside edge.
Angling in, fuller, around middle, Imam-ul-Haq knocks it to mid on for a single.
Fullish, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
FOUR! Fifty up for Imam-ul-Haq! 11th half century for Imam-ul-Haq in Tests. A low full toss, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq opens the face of his bat and caresses it through point for a boundary.
Nice and full, outside off, Shan Masood drives it through cover-point for a single.
Full, just outside off, Shan Masood pushes it to the cover fielder.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 129/1
Imam49 (80)
S Masood66 (77)
J Warrican5-0-23-0
FOUR! Imam-ul-Haq moves to 49 now! Short and wide, Imam-ul-Haq latches onto it and slaps it powerfully through cover for a boundary. Pakistan trail by 182 now.
Turn and bounce, on middle, Shan Masood knocks it to long on for one more.
Tossed up, on off, Imam-ul-Haq digs it to mid on for a run.
Flatter, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq pulls it through square leg for a brace.
Nice and full, on middle, Shan Masood pushes it down the ground for a single.
A bit short, on leg, Shan Masood blocks it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 120/1
Imam42 (77)
S Masood64 (74)
K Roach7-1-27-1
An appeal but turned down. Back of a length, on off, Imam-ul-Haq looks to block it but wears it high on his pads. An appeal but nothing from the umpire. They go against the review. Perhaps the height. The reply later shows that it was going over the stumps.
Much fuller, on off, Imam-ul-Haq jams it back to the bowler.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it.
Short and outside off, Shan Masood punches it to cover for a single.
Shaping in, on middle and leg, Imam-ul-Haq flicks it to deep backward square leg for a single.
Half-volley delivery, just outside off, Imam-ul-Haq drives it toward cover. The fielder in the region dives to his right to make the save.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 118/1
S Masood63 (73)
Imam41 (72)
J Warrican4-0-14-0
Full, on off, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg.
FOUR! Excellent shot! Full-length delivery, on off and middle. Shan Masood crouches down on one knee and sweeps it elegantly toward deep square leg for a boundary.
Floated and fuller, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq turns it to backward square leg for a single.
Tossed up, on off, Imam-ul-Haq works it to mid on.
Fuller, around off, Shan Masood flicks it to wide of mid-wicket for a single.
Short, around off, Shan Masood knocks it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 112/1
Imam40 (70)
S Masood58 (69)
K Roach6-1-25-1
Full-length delivery, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it away.
Much fuller, with a hint of outswinger, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it to mid on.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders his arms.
On a nagging length, pitching it just outside off and swinging it away. Imam-ul-Haq shoulder arms at it.
Back of a length, on off, Imam-ul-Haq defends it down.
Yorker, on off, Imam-ul-Haq drops his willow down to dig it out.
Kemar Roach rejoins the attack now.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 112/1
S Masood58 (69)
Imam40 (64)
J Warrican3-0-8-0
Tossed up, fuller, just outside off, Shan Masood plants his front foot across the line to sweep it, but gets beaten and thumps on the pad. Loud appeal from the bowler, but the impact is way outside off.
On the stumps, short of a length, Imam-ul-Haq flicks it to the left of the square leg fielder and gets a single.
Short, just outside off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes defends it to cover.
A tad fuller, at the stumps. Shan Masood stays on his back foot and punches it to long on for a single.
Short, on off, Imam-ul-Haq stabs it to deep cover for one.
Short, on off, Imam-ul-Haq defends it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 109/1
S Masood57 (67)
Imam38 (60)
J Greaves4-1-18-0
Much fuller, nearly a yorker, on middle, Shan Masood jams it to the leg side.
On a good length, outside off, Shan Masood looks for a cover drive but misses on the outside edge.
Oh, that one stays low! Back of a length outside off, Shan Masood looks to cut it away, but it skids through and beats the under edge. The umpire once again signals No Ball as the bowler overstepped.
On the fuller side, on off and middle, Imam-ul-Haq flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
Attacking the stumps, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq works it to mid-wicket.
Pitches it up, fuller, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
NO BALL! Full, on off, defended by Imam-ul-Haq. Uh oh, the buzzer goes off as Justin Greaves overstepped.
Pitches it up, outside off, swinging in, Imam-ul-Haq lunges to cover the stump and shoulder arms at it.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 106/1
S Masood57 (64)
Imam37 (55)
J Warrican2-0-5-0
A tad fuller, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg for no runs.
Short, on odd, Shan Masood pushes it back to the bowler.
Short, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq guides it to the right of deep backward point for a single.
A touch shorter, around middle, Shan Masood flicks it to the left of the long on fielder for a single.
Fuller, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq hangs back and flicks it to square leg for a single.
Short, just outside off, Imam-ul-Haq fends it to cover.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 103/1
Imam35 (52)
S Masood56 (61)
J Greaves3-1-15-0
Much fuller, around off, Imam-ul-Haq rolls his wrists and flicks it to the left of the mid on fielder for a three runs.
Back of a length, shaping down the leg side. Imam-ul-Haq leaves it away.
Serves it fuller, outside off, Shan Masood drives it to the right of mid off for a single. 100 comes up for Pakistan!
Angling in, on a good length, on middle. Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Pitches it up, does Greaves, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq drives it to cover for a single.
Full-length delivery, angling in, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq tucks it through square leg for a couple of runs.
We are back for the final session! The players have taking over the field. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood will continue their innings. Justin Greaves will start the proceedings. Away we go...
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Pakistan now trail by 215 runs - Shan and Imam continued their fine rhythm through the rest of the session, blunting the home attack with absolute ease. Shan brought up a brilliant half-century, while Imam offered solid support as the pair saw off the session completely unscathed. Pakistan head into the Tea break comfortably placed at 96/1, trailing by 215 runs with total command of the game. Stay tuned for an exciting final session!
The blistering counter-attack - Refusing to let the early breakthrough stall their momentum, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood launched an aggressive counter-punch. The duo played with supreme confidence to raise a rapid 50-run partnership. By the time the players paused for the mid-session drinks break, Pakistan had raced to 55/1 in just 10 overs, shifting all the pressure back onto the West Indies bowlers.
A session that belonged to Pakistan - The afternoon session in Tarouba started with instant drama right after Lunch. Mohammad Ali wasted no time in finishing off the West Indies tail, folding the hosts for 311 and leaving Shai Hope agonizingly short of a well-deserved century. West Indies, however, fired right back with the ball. Veteran pacer Kemar Roach delivered a fiery opening spell, shattering young Azan Awais’s stumps for a duck in just the third over to give Pakistan an early scare.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 96/1
S Masood55 (59)
Imam29 (48)
J Warrican1-0-2-0
Too full, on off, Shan Masood lunges and blocks it back to the bowler. That will be Tea Break on Day 2.
Flatter, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.
Turn and bounce, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg.
Tossed up, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq knocks it down to long on for a single.
Fullish, outside off, Shan Masood pushes it to point for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end but misses.
Flatter, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back to the bowler.
Jomel Warrican to bowl the final over before Tea.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 94/1
Imam28 (47)
S Masood54 (54)
J Greaves2-1-8-0
Hard length, way outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves the harmless delivery.
Fullish and on middle, Imam-ul-Haq digs it to mid on.
Short and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it.
Fullish and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone towards the keeper.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
A high full toss, on off, Imam-ul-Haq blocks it to mid off.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 94/1
S Masood54 (54)
Imam28 (41)
J Seales7-1-33-0
Slightly shorter, outside off, Shan Masood shoulders arms at it.
Too full, on leg, Shan Masood fends it to the on side.
Fullish, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq flicks it through backward square leg for a single.
Much fuller, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves again.
Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it.
Fullish, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 93/1
Imam27 (37)
S Masood54 (52)
J Greaves1-0-8-0
A low full toss, on off, Imam-ul-Haq drives it to cover for a single.
Nice and full, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq knocks it down to long on for a brace.
Back of a length, on off, Imam-ul-Haq punches it to cover.
Short and wide, Imam-ul-Haq leaves the harmless delivery.
Slightly shorter, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq hops a bit and tucks it through square leg for two more.
Shaping in, on leg, Imam-ul-Haq tucks it through backward square leg for a brace. It's also a frontfoot no ball from Justin Greaves.
Hard length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq punches it to short cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 85/1
S Masood54 (52)
Imam20 (30)
J Seales6-1-32-0
Length and outside off, left alone by Shan Masood.
Loud appeal but turned down! Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood tries to slap it but misses. A loud appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire. Roston Chase sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge shows that it had brushed the hand towel tucked inside his pants. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT.
Shaping away, on off, Shan Masood blocks it to short cover.
Short and wide, Shan Masood leaves the harmless delivery.
FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets an inside edge. The ball races through short fine leg for a boundary.
Slightly shorter, outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 81/1
Imam20 (30)
S Masood50 (46)
S Joseph4-0-18-0
Past the edge! Back of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq tries to punch it but gets beaten.
Beaten! Shaping away, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq looks to block it but gets beaten.
Fifty up for Shan Masood! Hard length and outside off, Shan Masood punches it to cover for a single. This has been a composed knock from Shan Masood.
Slightly shorter, on off, Shan Masood stabs it back to the bowler.
Back of a length, on middle, Shan Masood fends it to point.
Hard length, on leg, Shan Masood tucks it through square leg for a brace.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 78/1
S Masood47 (42)
Imam20 (28)
J Seales5-1-28-0
Fullish, sliding down leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards mid-wicket. They collect a leg bye.
Back of a length, down leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but wears it high on his pads. The ball rolls towards the backward point fielder. Dot.
Fullish and outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone.
Hard length and outside off, Shan Masood shoulders arms at it.
FOUR! This was much more confident from Shan Masood! Angling in, on middle, Shan Masood picks it well and tucks it through mid-wicket for another boundary.
FOUR! Streaky from Shan Masood! Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood looks to punch it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies over the leaping slip fielder for a boundary.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 69/1
Imam20 (28)
S Masood39 (36)
S Joseph3-0-15-0
Fullish, on off, Imam-ul-Haq blocks it back to the bowler.
Hard length, on leg, Shan Masood tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Full and on off, Shan Masood blocks it to point.
FOUR! That's a good looking shot from Shan Masood! Back of a length, on middle, Shan Masood swivels and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. This partnership moves to 67 now.
Angling in, on off, Shan Masood blocks it back to the bowler.
FOUR BYES! That's a poor delivery! Shamar Joseph bowls it way down the leg side, Shan Masood looks to flick it but misses. The keeper fails to stop it as the ball races away to the fence at fine leg.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 60/1
Imam20 (27)
S Masood34 (31)
J Seales4-1-20-0
Slowish and outside off, Imam-ul-Haq leaves it alone.
Full and straight, Shan Masood pushes it to wide of mid off for a single.
FOUR! Edgy! Hard length, on middle, Shan Masood looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball races away through backward point for a boundary.
Fullish, outside off, Shan Masood pushes it towards backward point.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood leaves it alone.
Hard length, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to cover.
DRINKS BREAK! Pakistan are 55/1 as of now. Mohammad Ali quickly wiped out the West Indies tail to cap them at 311, leaving Shai Hope agonizingly short of a brilliant hundred. But the Windies struck right back, Kemar Roach charged in with the fresh ball, clean bowling opener Azan Awais for a duck in just the third over. High-voltage cricket out there!
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 55/1
Imam20 (26)
S Masood29 (26)
S Joseph2-0-10-0
Short of a length, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq lets that one through.
Fullish, shaping in, around middle, Imam-ul-Haq defends it to mid-wicket.
FOUR! That is a very good shot from Imam-ul-Haq! Short of a length, over off. Imam-ul-Haq arches a bit backward and slaps it down to beat the left of the diving gully fielder for four runs.
On the fuller side, outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulder arms at it.
A bouncer, on middle. Imam-ul-Haq ducks under it.
Back of a length, around off, swinging it away. Imam-ul-Haq tries to defend it but it sneaks past the outside edge.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 51/1
S Masood29 (26)
Imam16 (20)
K Roach5-0-25-1
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood lets it go.
FOUR! Oh, that's a dropped chance. Kemar Roach is not at all happy with it. Fuller in length, keeping the line way outside off and swinging it away. Shan Masood prods halfway and punches it away from his body. The ball gets nicked off the outside edge, before it zips flat and upish toward the fourth stump fielder. He extends both of his hands over his head, but the ball just grazes his finger tipes to races away for four runs. Also, with that boundary, the 50-run mark is up for Pakistan.
Full, outside off, Shan Masood punches it to cover from his front foot.
Fullish, on off, Shan Masood drives it gently to mid off.
Pitches it up, does Roach, around off, Shan Masood drives it to extra cover.
FOUR! The placement couldn't have been better! Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood rocks on his back foot and chops it to beat the right of the point fielder for a boundary.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 43/1
Imam16 (20)
S Masood21 (20)
S Joseph1-0-6-0
Just a yard behind a good length, pitching it outside off and shaping in a shade. Imam-ul-Haq defends the inside line to protect the stumps.
Attacking the middle stump, on the fuller side, Imam-ul-Haq rests it down.
Back of a length, slanting in, around the hips of the batter. Imam-ul-Haq tucks it toward the right of the short fine leg fielder and gets a brace.
A surprise bumper, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq ducks underneath the delivery.
FOUR! The runs are flowing pretty well for the visitors. This is not a great delivery from Shamar Joseph, spraying it down the leg side, on a nagging length. Imam-ul-Haq helps it away through fine leg for a boundary.
Good-length delivery, on middle, Imam-ul-Haq places his bat before his pad and defends it to the leg side.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 37/1
S Masood21 (20)
Imam10 (14)
K Roach4-0-17-1
Full-length delivery, just outside off, nipping it away yet again. Shan Masood looks to drive it to cover, but gets a thick outside edge. The ball rolls past the point fielder and the batter collects a couple.
Fullish, around off, Shan Masood check drives it to the mid off fielder.
Pitches it up, does Roach, on off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off.
Serves it fuller, pitching it on the fourth stump and swinging it away. Shan Masood prods and gives a watchful leave.
FOUR! Edgy! Full and outside off, Shan Masood stays back and tries to drive it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball races through backward point for a boundary.
Nice and full, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to mid off.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 31/1
S Masood15 (14)
Imam10 (14)
J Seales3-1-15-0
Full and on middle, Shan Masood flicks it through mid-wicket. Shamar Joseph chases it and stops it with his right leg just before the fence. The batters collect three runs.
Too full, on middle, Shan Masood digs it to mid off.
Down the leg side, Imam-ul-Haq looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.
Back of a length, on off, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes through the left of the diving gully fielder, Jomel Warrican, who fails to reach at it. The ball rolls in the deep as the batters cross.
FOUR LEG BYES! That's a poor delivery from Jayden Seales! He errs his line down leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but the ball brushes his hips and races away to the fence at fine leg.
Much fuller, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to square leg.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 22/1
Imam10 (13)
S Masood11 (9)
K Roach3-0-11-1
Serves it on the back of a length, nipping it way outside off. Imam-ul-Haq hops and lifts his willow to let that one pass through.
Hard-length delivery, pitching it in the channel outside off, nipping away. Imam-ul-Haq isn't intersted to offer any shot at it.
Back of a length, slanting in, on middle and leg, Shan Masood tucks it to the left of the mid-wicket fielder and gets a single.
Swinging away, on a nagging length, outside off, Shan Masood strides out to cover the stumps and shoulders arms at it.
Just a yard behind the good length, just outside off. Shan Masood walks off the crease, gets behind the line and blocks it down.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood lets it travel to the keeper.
Runs Scored 11 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 21/1
Imam10 (11)
S Masood10 (5)
J Seales2-1-11-0
Shaping in, around middle, fuller in length. Imam-ul-Haq knocks it to the right of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.
Good-length delivery, angling across the batter. Imam-ul-Haq defends the inside edge, and it beats the outside edge.
On a nagging length, around middle, Shan Masood knocks it to mid on for a single.
FOUR! Easy pickings for Masood! Much fuller, around the pads of the batter. Shan Masood just rolls his wrists and flicks it neatly through square leg for four more runs.
Back of a length, down the leg side, Shan Masood makes a leave at it.
FOUR! More runs for Pakistan. Back of a length, around middle. Shan Masood tries to defend it, but it gets nicked on the outside edge, before it rolls between slip cordon and gully for four runs.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 10/1
Imam8 (9)
S Masood1 (1)
K Roach2-0-10-1
FOUR! Another beautiful strike from Imam-ul-Haq. Pitches it up, around off, Imam-ul-Haq crouches a bit low and extends his arms to drive it into the gap between the cover fielders for another boundary.
Short of a length, around middle, Imam-ul-Haq misses his nudge and gets pinged high on the pad.
FOUR! First boundary of the innings! Full-length delivery, outside off. Imam-ul-Haq leans on it and drives it, showing the full face of the bat, through the cover region for the boundary.
Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood tries to defend it but gets an inside edge. The ball goes past the stumps and rolls toward deep fine leg. Single taken.
That's a beauty from Kemar Roach. Shan Masood walks in at number 3.
OUT! TIMBER! Oh, this is an exceptional piece of bowling from Kemar Roach. He sets up the batter by nipping it away from the stumps in the first delivery. But on this one, he angles it in and attacks the stumps. Pitches it on a good length, just outside off, shaping in. Azan Awais thinks that the ball might swing out, and places his bat accordingly. However, the ball sneaks into the gap between the bat and pad and hits the top of the middle stump
Back of a good length, outside off, nipping a bit away. Azan Awais lifts his willow up and lets it travel to the keeper.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 1/0
Imam0 (6)
A Awais0 (7)
J Seales1-1-0-0
Pushes his length fuller, does Seales, on off. Imam-ul-Haq prods halfway and pushes it to cover.
Short of a length, angling across. Imam-ul-Haq dabs it to cover-point.
Back of a length, on off, Imam-ul-Haq works it to the left of the bowler.
Hard-length delivery, shaping it away. Imam-ul-Haq looks to punch it with his cross-bat, but it once again beats the edge.
Past the outside edge! Angling it a shade away from the batter. Imam-ul-Haq rocks back to defend it down, but it just sniffs past the outside edge.
Back of a length, around off, Imam-ul-Haq rides on the bounce and taps it toward the off side.
A good start from Kemar Roach. Jayden Seales to share the attack.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 1/0
A Awais0 (7)
Imam0 (0)
K Roach1-0-1-0
Bends his back, does Roach, to offer a bouncer just outside off. Azan Awais hops to punch it toward cover, but gets nicked on the inside edge before it bounces off toward short fine leg.
Full-length delivery, around middle, slanting in. Azan Awais defends it down the track.
Beaten! Much better from Kemar Roach. Pushes the length fuller, pitching it on the fourth stump and swings it away from the left-hander. Azan Awais lunges to defend, but it zips past the outside edge.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, swinging it away. Azan Awais shoulder arms at it.
NO BALL! The buzzer goes off as Kemar Roach oversteps. Shaping in, on a nagging length, around off, Azan Awais stabs it to cover from his front foot.
Attacking the stumps now, on a good length, around middle and leg. Azan Awais nudges it to mid-wicket.
Swing straightaway! Kemar Roach comes from around the wicket to the left-hander and bowls on the back of a good length, outside off, nipping away. Azan Awais rocks back and dabs it to cover.
Commentary
Welcome back for Pakistan's reply. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais open up for Pakistan. They will try to build a gritty stand. Kemar Roach has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Four slips in place. Let's play...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
Hot and cold bowling - Pakistan's bowling had its highs and lows. There was enough assistance on offer, but the lack of an express pace option hurt them at times. Their quicks relied heavily on disciplined line and length, and once the ball lost its shine, wickets became much harder to come by. The West Indian batters made them work for every breakthrough. That said, Pakistan were far more impressive this morning. Barring the brief Shamar Joseph blitz, they stayed in control and wrapped things up efficiently. Abbas claimed three wickets, Mohammad Ali finished with four, while Shahzad chipped in with two. A satisfying effort with the ball for the tourists in the end. Now, it is up to the batters to make it count.
Summing up the West Indian innings - It was a bit of a topsy-turvy one. Almost every batter got a start, but it was Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope who truly stitched the innings together. Their composed knocks steadied the ship, kept Pakistan at bay, and their crucial partnership took the sting out of the visitors' attack on a truncated Day 1.
Formidable total - A total of 311 still looks like a formidable one on this surface. There has been enough lateral movement on offer, and with a quality West Indies pace attack ready to pounce, Pakistan know they have a stern examination ahead. The new ball will be the biggest challenge, with the Caribbean quicks expected to crank up the pace and make full use of the movement and bounce on offer. The visitors will need to be at their watchful best.
Superlative comeback! Just 8 runs and 3 wickets in 2.5 overs after Lunch, and Pakistan have stormed right back into the contest. There was the looming threat of Shamar Joseph when the teams broke for Lunch, but Pakistan could not have scripted a better response. Mohammad Ali came out breathing fire, wrapped up the tail in no time, and completed the job for his side. Pakistan head back to the pavilion with smiles all around.
OUT! BOWLED! Mohammad Ali wraps up the innings in style and completes a superb four-wicket haul. He pitches it up on off with a hint of shape back in. Seales looks to defend but leaves a sizeable gap between bat and pad. That's all the invitation the ball needs as it sneaks through and sends the off stump cartwheeling. West Indies are bowled out for 311, and Pakistan finish the innings on a high.
Fuller and around leg, Seales tries to flick but misses.
Jayden Seales is the number 11 batter.
OUT! LBW! Mohammad Ali produces a beauty and Pakistan have a massive breakthrough. He lands it on a good length around off and gets it to jag back sharply. Shai Hope plants his front foot without getting fully forward, looks to defend, but is beaten on the inside edge and struck flush on the front pad. Pakistan appeal confidently and the finger goes up. Hope reviews immediately. UltraEdge shows nothing. Ball Tracking has it crashing into the stumps. Heartbreak for Hope, who falls just eight runs short of a well-deserved century.
Ali targets the off stump with a length ball, Shai covers the line and defends it watchfully. Remains on 92.
Back of a length, around off and staying low, Hope does well to crouch a bit as he blocks it to the off side.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 98 overs : 311/8
J Warrican1 (6)
S Hope92 (179)
A Usman13-1-35-0
Full and floated, on off, Jomel draws forward and defends it safely.
FOUR BYES! A bonus for West Indies. Fired in flatter on middle, the ball skids down the leg side. Jomel has a swipe at the flick but fails to make contact. It beats his pads, evades the keeper as well, and races away to the fine leg fence for four byes.
Nice loop on this one, full and drifting around off, Jomel Warrican strides forward and blocks.
Ali pulls his length back a bit, around off, Hope goes on the back foot and punches it to long on for a run.
Loopy and full, landing on middle, Shai is on the front foot in defense.
Flighted and on middle, Hope works it off his pads to short leg.
First sign of spin on Day 2. It's Ali Usman. 12-0-34-0.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 97 overs : 306/8
J Warrican1 (3)
S Hope91 (176)
M Ali21-5-50-2
Angles in a length ball on middle, Jomel tickles it off his pads but finds square leg.
Sharp bouncer around off at 133 clicks, Jomel Warrican immediately ducks.
Shortish and on off, Hope steers it through covers for a run. Moves to 91.
Full and sliding down the leg side, it's nudged down to fine leg for one.
Jomel Warrican joins his skipper in the middle.
OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan have the perfect start after Lunch, and it's the end of an entertaining cameo from Shamar Joseph. Mohammad Ali bangs it in short on the leg-stump line, cramping the batter for room. Joseph goes for the pull but only manages a glove through to the slip cordon. The ball lobs gently to Salman Agha at first slip, who completes a straightforward catch. A huge relief for Pakistan as Joseph departs immediately after the break, with West Indies now 304/8.
Shortish and around middle and leg, Hope works it through square leg and begins this session with a run.
We're back for the afternoon session! The morning ended on an electrifying note, courtesy of Shamar Joseph's fearless counterattack. Pakistan will know they need his wicket quickly because another half an hour of this carnage, and West Indies could race to 350 or even 375 before you know it. The weather has behaved so far, the sun continues to shine, and there is no immediate threat of rain, at least for now. Mohammad Ali, who bowled a marathon spell in the first session, returns to bowl after the break. 1/47 from his 20 overs.
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Water on the efforts? One bad moment does not make the whole session poor for Pakistan. Make no mistake, they were superb this morning, with the exception of Aamer Jamal who just could not bowl two balls in the same area. But picking up 4 wickets for 109 runs in 29 overs is definitely a session to be proud of. Just that they were hit by a tsunami called Shamar Joseph and in a sense, it is good for them that the break came now. They get some time to reflect on the good work done for over 2 hours in the extended session and come back out firing post Lunch and wrap this up. West Indies, on the other hand, might already believe that they have got enough runs on this deck. Their own fast bowlers would be eager to go on this pitch with so much lateral movement available. Add to it, another 50-odd runs would be a bonus. What is not desirable by anyone would be - the initial forecast - which suggests for thunderstorms later this afternoon. Let's hope that play resumes on time at 4.40 pm GMT and the conditions stay the same till the end of the day.
The warrior - This morning, before play, Floyd Reifer, West Indies' batting coach, informed us that Shai Hope is battling a shoulder injury but also predicted that if he manages to play out the opening hour, he will get a century. Hope nearly failed that prediction as he nicked one off Ali after getting to 50 but luck seems to be on his side. He has batted the whole of the morning session, reaching 89 and on the cusp of back-to-back centuries in Test cricket. Hope absorbed the pressure and has shown excellent fortitude. Even now, he has shown great trust in his batting partners, not ready to go all out yet. The longer he stays, not only will the hosts improve their chances of reaching 350, but the bowlers of Pakistan will start tiring out as well.
Fighting fire with fire - When Kemar Roach got out, around 20 minutes were left for Lunch. Pakistan might have been thinking about bowling the home side out under 300 but out came Shamar Joseph and reminded us and his opponents of his batting potential. A year ago, when Australia had visited the Caribbean shores, Shamar had registered his best Test score, hammering 4 sixes in a blitzkrieg knock of 44 (22). So far, in a short time, he has 23 from just 12 balls, knocking Pakistan totally out of their comfort zone. That small knock has just taken off some sheen of Pakistan's brilliance with the new ball.
Discipline and accuracy - That is what we saw from Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali in the morning. They probed and probed and probed, with Khurram striking on his 7th delivery of the day, getting Hodge caught behind. Mohammad Ali could have had Shai Hope twice in two overs but luck eluded him, with Hope being dropped on 51 by Azan Awais counting as one of those chances. But Ali did not lose hope, as he bowled a marathon spell of 8-3-26-1. That lone wicket came before the second new ball and either side of the new cherry, Pakistan struck twice, getting Greaves and Chase in quick succession, while Roach fell fairly quickly too, albeit after a stubborn resistance.
Let's take a break! We were still two minutes away from the Lunch break but it seems like Pakistan are ready to head off. They look shellshocked by this onslaught from Shamar Joseph. And in fact, the umpires have actually taken the bails off, as the ground clock has ticked past noon. A session of pockets and this last pocket has given the home side plenty to smile about.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 96 overs : 303/7
S Joseph23 (12)
S Hope89 (174)
A Jamal15-1-81-1
FOUR! Bang! Shamar Joseph is making sure his lunch tastes that little bit sweeter. Aamer Jamal goes full on middle, overdoing his length, right in the slot, and that's all the invitation Shamar needs. He swings across the line with plenty of power and hammers it to the deep mid-wicket fence. He's turning this into quite the cameo. Who wants to head for Lunch when batting like this is on display? West Indies certainly won't. Pakistan will though. They've been put under pressure at the stroke of break as Shamar Joseph has counterpunched in thrilling fashion. Is there time for one more over? The camera pans towards the umpire... but no, that's it. Lunch on Day 2, with West Indies carrying plenty of momentum into the interval. 303/7.
FOUR! Not quite as intended, but Shamar Joseph won't mind one bit. Dug in short on middle, he goes for the pull but only manages a top edge. Fortunately for him, it flies down and runs away to the fine leg fence. The runs are flowing freely from the number nine, who races to 19 off just 11 balls.
Fractionally short and on middle, Shai glances it off his hips to deep square leg, for a run. Moves to 89.
Shortish and on off, Shai goes on his toes and defends it to the off side.
Back of a length, close to off and shaping away, Hope pushes inside the line and misses.
Fuller and on off, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.
Worth a look at spin? With Shamar going berserk, might not be a bad idea to tempt him with the break approaching. We have a change, but it is not spin. Aamer Jamal is back on. 14-1-72-1 so far.
Runs Scored 13 Runs
Score after 95 overs : 294/7
S Joseph15 (10)
S Hope88 (170)
K Shahzad23-5-66-2
FOUR! Edgy, just to remind that he is a number 9 batter. Back of a length around off, Shamar Joseph hangs back looking to muscle it over the leg side. Instead, he gets a thick outside edge that flies well over the slip cordon and races away to the fence. The closing moments before Lunch have come alive. This partnership has raced to 20 off just 13 balls, and West Indies are now only six runs away from 300.
In the zone around off, on a length, SJ defends it.
FOUR! That will make even a top-order batter nod in approval! Pitched up outside off, Shamar Joseph transfers his weight beautifully onto the front foot and absolutely crunches the drive through extra cover. The timing is sublime, the ball races away to the fence, and he holds the pose for a moment for the cameras. What a shot! Sumptuous.
Width there outside off, Hope cuts it towards point and takes a single.
Identical to the last delivery, only difference is the length. It's short and Hope is on his toes to glance it in front of square leg. Another couple.
Fuller in length, on middle, Shai clips it with the angle of the bowler and finds the timing and placement right. It travels to the deep, and by the time the square leg fielder cuts it off, they take a couple.
Fighting fire with fire seems to be the mantra for Shamar Joseph. Lunch or no Lunch, he is not going to hang around. And to be honest, with the ball moving around, it is difficult to hang in there and not get a beauty. Maybe, with counterattacking, you could push the bowlers off their lines and lengths. But it is playing with a big risk with Lunch around the corner.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 94 overs : 281/7
S Joseph7 (7)
S Hope83 (167)
M Abbas26-6-63-3
Back of a length, on middle and off, Joseph swivels on the back foot to pull but misses. He takes a blow on his body.
A lovely delivery from Abbas. Full and on off, landing and moving away off the seam, Shamar Joseph tries to defend the line but gets beaten by the away movement. Shamar Joseph, the bowler, will be licking his lips after looking at that seam movement.
Delivered close to off again, on a length, Shamar Joseph blocks it off the front foot again.
Angling in from around off, SH defends it from the front foot.
SIX! Shamar Joseph doesn't take long to liven things up. Full and angling in around off, Abbas' pace won't bother the batter and the left-hander cashes in. He gets underneath it beautifully and launches it high and handsome over wide long on for a towering maximum. With Shamar at the crease, entertainment is never far away.
Short and wide outside off, Shamar flashes his bat at it and misses.
Change of angle for Mohammad Abbas. He is coming from around the wicket for the left-handed Joseph.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 93 overs : 275/7
S Joseph1 (1)
S Hope83 (167)
K Shahzad22-5-53-2
Shot. Full and around off from around the wicket to the left-hander. Joseph gets forward confidently and lifts it cleanly over mid off. It lands safely and they settle for a single. A positive way for the number nine to get off the mark.
Around 20 minutes left for Lunch. So Pakistan won't be batting before the break for sure. But can they nip out the remaining 3 batters by then? At the same time, can the home side continue to bat post Lunch? Shamar Joseph walks in next, at number 9, replacing Kemar Roach. He hit a few sixes in the home series against Australia but the need of the hour is to keep your head down at least till the break.
OUT! CAUGHT AT SECOND SLIP! Shahzad strikes with a beauty at 126 kph. Bending his back, he extracts a bit of extra lift from a length around off. Roach hangs back and looks to play inside the line, but the extra bounce forces a thin outside edge as he attempts to drop his bottom hand. Babar Azam makes no mistake at second slip, pouching a comfortable catch. The stubborn 43-ball stand is broken, and Pakistan will be relieved to see the back of Roach, whose resolute defense had begun to test their patience.
Around middle, flicked to square leg for a run.
EDGY FOUR! Full around off, angling in before straightening just enough. Shai Hope comes forward in defense but gets a thick outside edge. It flies safely through the gap between the slip cordon and gully, racing away to the fence. A streaky boundary, but they all count, and Hope moves to 82.
Back of a length, around middle and leg, Roach gets hurried up a bit due to the extra lift but does well to keep it out safely, towards square leg, and they cross.
Length ball angled in on off, Hope gets onto the back foot and nudges it neatly to mid-wicket. An easy single taken as he rotates the strike. Shai has full confidence in Roach.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 92 overs : 267/6
K Roach2 (27)
S Hope77 (164)
M Abbas25-6-57-3
This one is served wide outside off, on a length and shaping away, an easy leave for KR. A 38-ball partnership thus far and Pakistan are again made to work hard despite a number 8 batter at the crease.
Abbas goes for a bouncer, around off, Roach ducks. That's bowled at 119 clicks, not going to bother the batter much with that pace.
Pitched full and outside off, Roach overcommits on the front foot to defend and gets it away from the inner half. The ball rolls away to mid-wicket.
Sound in defense again, Roach. Length ball close to off, Kemar brings his straight bat forward and blocks it.
In and around off, on a length, Roach defends it by getting on the front foot.
Short in length and wide outside off, Hope cuts it down to deep point for a run.
A delivery jagging back in from a length around off, Hope tries to defend but seems to get an inside edge on the thigh pad. The ball lobs on the off side but drops safely. It's also a no ball for overstepping.
Interesting discussion between Ian Bishop and Stacy Ann King on air. King informs us that in the upcoming Women's Caribbean Premier League, we are likely to see an additional team, which means a look at another 15 talented ladies from the country. To this, Bishop shows his game-following skills as he recollects that just a day ago, Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in a Women's ODI which had 3 centurions and goes onto say that South Africa recently sent their Under-19 team, he supposes it was to Pakistan, as a preparation for the next year's Women's Under-19 World Cup. The legend seems to have followed both series and informs us that the power hitting from the young girls was awesome to see. In a nutshell, Bishop wants to say that the Women's game has improved and power-hitting is coming to the fray. Hence, we could see bigger scores in that area as well.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 91 overs : 265/6
K Roach2 (22)
S Hope76 (162)
K Shahzad21-5-45-1
Shahzad runs in from directly behind the umpire before veering wide of the crease at the last moment. He pitches it up on off, but Roach isn't fooled by the change in angle, getting right behind the ball and defending it with a straight bat.
Served on a length around off, Roach gets squared up a bit as he keeps it out safely to the off side.
On a length around off, Roach pushes it towards mid off. The siren goes off and it's a no ball for overstepping.
APPEAL FOR AN LBW! A muted shout from the bowler as a fuller delivery, angled in from wide of the crease, thuds into Roach's pads after he misses the flick. The appeal quickly fizzles out, with the ball clearly sliding down the leg side. An easy decision for the umpire to stay put.
A bouncer, around middle and leg, at 130.3 kph, Roach picks it early and ducks.
On middle, a length ball, Kemar clips but finds square leg.
Short of a length from Shahzad, who jumps wide of the crease before darting it in at 126 kph around middle. Hope hops across looking to glance it fine but misses, wearing it on the thigh pad instead. The ball rolls towards mid-wicket and the batters sneak through for a leg bye.
Just a reminder - today is a free entry for women at the ground. The camera pans onto Karishma Ramharack, an offie, who represents West Indies Women. She is also the captain of the Trinidad Women's team.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 90 overs : 263/6
K Roach2 (16)
S Hope76 (161)
M Abbas24-6-55-3
Extra bit of bounce from a full length around off, Roach defends it from the back foot with little discomfort. Some words from the Pakistan players and Roach just flashes a wide smile.
Fullish and angling into off, Roach looks to flick it away but closes the bat face a touch early. A soft leading edge pops into the air, safely wide of the bowler, and drops without causing any trouble.
Fuller and on off, nipping in, Roach defends it from the inner part of his bat.
Full and on off, Roach leans into a gentle push through mid on. Nicely timed into the gap, and he ambles back for a couple to get off the mark, on the 13th ball.
Around off, shaping in, Roach tries to defend but perhaps gets an inside edge onto the pads.
In the zone outside off, Roach allows it through to the keeper.
Kemar Roach is no mug with the bat. And Shai Hope knows that. We go back to December 2025, where Roach batted for 282 minutes! It was against New Zealand, in New Zealand, in Christchurch, where he made an unbeaten 58. Another one of his long knocks reads 252 minutes, in November 2024, against Bangladesh in Antigua. So he can bat, for sure.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 89 overs : 261/6
S Hope76 (161)
K Roach0 (10)
K Shahzad20-5-44-1
Dropped on a length around off, Shai defends from the back foot to the off side.
APPEAL! A huge shout for lbw as the ball raps the batter on the pads, but the umpire is unmoved. Babar Azam looks at his bowler and the keeper, even scratches his head while weighing it up, but there isn't enough conviction. Pakistan decide against the review and play carries on as the bowler himself gestures that it's going down the leg side. A length ball, nips back in from around off and strikes Shai Hope on the front pad. The impact is around middle, but it appears to be sliding down the leg side. The umpire stands firm, and the replays confirm it would have gone over the stumps. A good call to turn down the appeal.
Goes wide of the crease and lands a length ball outside off, Hope sticks on the back foot and taps it down to point.
Khurram Shahzad lets out a grunt and slips a length ball down the leg side, Hope tries to flick but misses.
Sharp pace, a touch short and around leg, Roach fails to work it around and the ball goes off the pads to square leg. They take a leg bye.
Shahzad spears in a full delivery on middle and off. Hope gets right behind the line, presenting the full face of the bat in a compact defensive stroke, and gently pushes it towards mid on for a single. Moves to 76.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 88 overs : 259/6
K Roach0 (9)
S Hope75 (156)
M Abbas23-6-53-3
Abbas changes it up with a bouncer, directed around off. Roach spots it early, gets underneath the line in a flash and ducks comfortably. A well-directed short ball, but the batter has no trouble evading it.
Closer to off, full in length again, Roach shows a compact forward defense as he blocks it right under his watchful eyes.
Abbas pitches it up outside off, trying to tempt Roach into the drive. He resists the invitation, gets well across to cover the line and calmly shoulders arms.
Movement and bounce into the batter. Landing around off on a length, Roach has no idea about it, tries to defend but misses and takes a blow high on his front leg.
Wrong line from Abbas, goes full and around the pads, Shai tucks it behind square leg and hands the strike over to Roach. He has 4 balls here.
Abbas delivers it full and on off, perhaps staying low, Hope strides forward with an exaggerated lunge as he defends it down.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 87 overs : 258/6
K Roach0 (5)
S Hope74 (154)
K Shahzad19-5-43-1
On a length, outside off, this time Kemar manages to put bat on ball as he defends.
Landed outside off, another play and a miss.
On a length, outside off, Roach feels for it, but the ball nibbles past the outside edge.
Full and outside off, solidly defended.
On a length, outside off, left alone.
Full and down the leg side, seems intentional, Shai Hope flicks it behind square leg and gets off the strike with a single.
DRINKS BREAK. Ideally, the break should have come after 5 minutes but because a wicket has fallen, maybe the umpires took it early. Because we have got another 55-odd minutes for Lunch. Pakistan are getting rewards for their hard work earlier in the morning, and now this session looks a lot better for the visitors - 3/63 in 19 overs. They have struck either side of the second new ball and now, it depends on how Shai Hope will bat from here on. If he manages to bat through till Lunch, 300 should be gettable. But if he gets out as well soon, we could actually see Pakistan bat before Lunch as well. Kemar Roach comes in at number 8, replacing his skipper, Roston Chase.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 86 overs : 257/6
R Chase10 (19)
S Hope73 (153)
M Abbas22-6-52-3
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! This time there is an edge and it is taken. As it turns out, it was all about an adjustment of the length. Abbas strikes in his third over of the spell and the Windies skipper is sent back early. On a length, outside off, Roston Chase looks to defend but the ball pitches and then holds its length. The outside edge is generated and the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan, makes no mistake. From 231/4, WEST INDIES ARE NOW 257/6!
Down the leg side, Roston misses his tickle as the ball goes through to the keeper. There is a noise and someone appeals for the catch but the keeper himself is not interested. Maybe, the ball hit the pad.
FOUR! Aerial but safe. Full, around off, Roston Chase comes forward and chips this uppishly towards mid on, who is actually a bit wider, to the right. Had he been at the conventional position, he might have gobbled it. Instead, the ball flies past him to the long on fence.
On a good length, outside off, extra bounce, the skipper drops his wrists down and pushes it towards cover.
Full and straight, Chase comes forward and drives it back to the bowler.
On a length outside off, swinging away, Roston Chase lets it through.
We have had roughly 2 overs with the second new ball. And we might have felt that both, Abbas and Shahzad havs been average. However, what also needs to be taken into account is, maybe, both bowlers are trying to make the ball do something from the same lengths with which they had used the old ball. They will need to change their lengths a touch, maybe get it a bit more fuller.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 85 overs : 253/5
S Hope73 (153)
R Chase6 (13)
K Shahzad18-5-42-1
Full and around off, Shai Hope defends it back to the bowler.
On a length, outside off, this one darts a bit low, but SH adjusts well to push it towards gully.
Full and straight, Shai drives it straight back but the bowler manages to half-stop the ball to his right, deflecting it onto the stumps behind. Roston Chase was comfortably back in his crease when the stumps got hit at his end.
SIX! THUMP! The white-ball captain brings his limited-overs skills into play! Another ordinary delivery, on a length wide outside off, Shai Hope comes forward and hammers it massively over mid off, clearing the ropes with ease! 250 IS UP FOR WEST INDIES, with Hope moving to 73 now.
Fuller in length, swinging away, but wide outside off again. Hope has no interest in playing at that.
Shahzad too, starts poorly with the second new ball. On a length wide outside off, Shai Hope lets it through easily.
Phew. Finally, Mohammad Ali is given a rest after a marathon spell of 8-3-26-1. Khurram Shahzad returns. 17-5-36-1 so far.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 84 overs : 247/5
R Chase6 (13)
S Hope67 (147)
M Abbas21-6-48-2
On a length, outside off, nipping back in sharply, Roston Chase lunges to defend but the indipper catches him on the pads, albeit a bit too high.
On a good length, outside off, SH hops and works it through square leg for a single.
Better line. Just outside off, on a fuller length, Shai defends it solidly.
WIDE. Ideally, you should be making work easier for your mate, Abbas. Just a ball ago, Rizwan got hit on the fingers and now, Abbas sprays the new cherry miles outside off. Rizwan looks to collect that to his right but the ball bounces low and hits him on the right glove again!
Here comes the moment. PAKISTAN HAVE DECIDED TO TAKE THE SECOND NEW BALL.
On a good length, outside off, Hope lets it pass. The ball pitches but then kicks off. The keeper collects it but gets stung on the gloves and wrings his hands in pain.
Full and around off, Shai Hope lunges to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Mohammad Rizwan calls for the helmet. It has been a long time coming and really surprised to see that it has taken the keeper so long to come upto the stumps.
On a good length, around off, defended solidly.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 83 overs : 245/5
R Chase6 (12)
S Hope66 (142)
M Ali20-5-47-1
Full and wide outside off, moving away, left alone again by Roston Chase. A maiden by Ali whose current spell reads 8-3-26-1.
A touch shorter, outside off, RC lets it pass.
On a good length this time, wider outside off, the skipper lets it go.
What. A. Ball. Full, outside off, angling in, Roston plays an expansive cover drive but there is exaggerated lateral movement on that ball. It pitches and swings away a mile, beating the outside edge by quite a distance.
Full and straight, Chase lunges and works it towards mid on.
On a good length, outside off, Roston Chase lets it through.
Some rest for Ali now? Not yet. Babar seems to be channelizing Ali's inner Ben Stokes here. 7-2-26-1 in this spell so far!
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 82 overs : 245/5
S Hope66 (142)
R Chase6 (6)
M Abbas20-6-46-2
On a good length, outside off, nipping back in a long way, Shai Hope lunges to defend but the ball generates extra bounce and takes the inside edge onto his body.
Way too full, outside off, SH gets a long way forward to block.
On a good length, around off, good bounce again, Shai defends it nicely.
On a good length, outside off, extra bounce, Hope looks to ride the bounce and defend but gets it of the inner half to the leg side.
On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.
A loosener to start. Short and wide outside off, Shai Hope punches this through the covers. Deep point gets to his right to stop the ball and the batters get a couple.
Finally. Mohammad Abbas gets the ball for the first time this morning. 19-6-44-2 so far.
Runs Scored 9 Runs
Score after 81 overs : 243/5
R Chase6 (6)
S Hope64 (136)
M Ali19-4-47-1
On a good length, wide outside off, left alone. 7-2-26-1 for Ali in this spell.
FOUR! ELEGANT! Full and around off, this one does not move as much. Chase waits for the ball to arrive and with a high elbow, plays the ball very close to him. Tries to hit it straight back to where it came from, through mid on, and succeeds, getting a lovely boundary.
On a good length, outside off, again from a wide angle, Roston Chase is forced to play at it but the ball moves away laterally to beat the outside edge.
On a good length, outside off, extra bounce, Shai hops and works it between mid on and mid-wicket for a single.
Much better. This is outside off, on a fuller length, Hope lunges to defend but the ball pitches and straightens, to beat the outside edge.
FOUR! Ali goes for the magic ball, going wide of the crease from over the wicket and trying to shape the ball away after angling it in. But he gets a bit too straight, landing the ball around middle and Shai Hope helps it with the angle to the fine leg fence. Moves to 63 with his 5th boundary.
Big question. Will Pakistan take the second new ball straightaway? The camera pans on Mohammad Ali who seems to be getting ready for his 7th over of this spell! So doesn't look like the second new ball will be taken right now. The fourth umpire also comes out and hands the new cherry to the umpire who pockets it. So the second new ball is not taken for now and Ali continues his marathon spell.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 80 overs : 234/5
R Chase2 (3)
S Hope59 (133)
A Jamal14-1-72-1
Full and around off, Roston defends.
Overpitched, wide outside off, Chase leans and drives it through the covers. Doesn't time it as well as he would have liked and that allows deep point to get to the ball. Two runs taken by Chase to get off the mark.
On a good length, around middle and off, Roston Chase hops and works it towards mid-wicket.
On a length, outside off, coming back in a long way, Shai hops and nudges it through fine leg for a single.
Outside off, this time Hope meets the cover drive to perfection, but finds the fielder.
Full and around off, Shai Hope looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
Skipper Roston Chase walks in next, at number 7, replacing Justin Greaves.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 79 overs : 231/5
J Greaves15 (31)
S Hope58 (130)
M Ali18-4-38-1
OUT! CAUGHT AT SECOND SLIP! The plan to give Ali an extended spell works big time. He has been probing and probing and probing all morning and eventually, strikes in his 6th over of the day. Ali comes wide of the crease, from over the wicket and lands it on a length outside off, angling it in. Justin Greaves comes half forward to defend but the ball then straightens a bit, to take the outside edge. This one carries at a good height to second slip and Salman Agha makes no mistake. Ali is fired up and if there was any bowler who deserved a wicket so much, it was Ali. Also, this is a big breakthrough as the second new ball is around the corner. Greaves departs after a start, looking decent in a stand of 34. WEST INDIES ARE 231/5!
Vociferous appeal for LBW! Turned down. Babar Azam has a chat with some of his key players, but eventually, does not take the review. On a good length, outside off, JG gets across and looks to work it to the leg side but misses as the ball nips back in a long way. Beats the inside edge and catches him on his front pad. Maybe, that movement was a bit too much and going down the leg side.
On a good length again, but wide outside off, left alone.
On a good length outside off, Justin shoulders arms.
Around off, this one swings in, Greaves works it towards mid-wicket.
Full and around off, swinging away, Justin Greaves defends.
DRINKS BREAK. Possibly the first of two in this extended session. It has been an excellent comeback from Pakistan, but the scorecard does not show their true effort. 1/37 in 11 overs seems to be an okayish one for both, batter and bowler. But what it doesn't tell you is the number of times the ball has beat the edge, taken the edge, bounced off a length and swerved laterally. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali set the tone this morning but while Shahzad was rewarded in his second over of the morning with the wicket of Hodge, Ali was denied the breakthrough of Hope, due to a dropped catch from Azan Awais. Ali has been very probing, with a spell of 5-1-17-0 but once Shahzad went off the attack, Jamal has come in and leaked runs, going for 15 in his 3 overs this morning. If you are wondering why has Mohammad Abbas not been introduced yet, it is perhaps because Pakistan want him to be fresh for the second new ball. West Indies have been excellent, in the meanwhile. They have been beaten on numerous occasions but they have not let that get into their minds at all. They have been ready to punish the bad balls which is exactly what they have done against Jamal. They will now await the second new ball, which will bring its own challenges. But should Pakistan mess up, it could provide a lot of runs too.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 78 overs : 231/4
S Hope58 (130)
J Greaves15 (25)
A Jamal13-1-69-1
There is something in the surface when you get it in the right place. On a length just outside off, Shai looks to work it to the leg side but the ball nips back in a long way and beats the bat, hitting him on his left thigh.
On a good length, outside off, Justin Greaves punches it through the covers as well for a run.
Back of a length, outside off, Hope rises with the bounce and punches it through the covers for a single.
FOUR! Once again, Jamal loses the radar and slips this down the leg side, on a length. This time, Shai Hope tickles it to the fine leg fence. The stand moves to 32 now.
WIDE. Totally loses the radar on this occasion, does Jamal. A bouncer, but way down the leg side and goes well over the head of the batter. The keeper does really well to dive to his left to stop the ball.
The hard length, outside off, in the corridor of uncertainty, Shai Hope pushes it towards point.
On a length, outside off, nudged into the leg side.
3 overs away from the second new ball. But should / will Pakistan take it? This old one is doing tremendously well so far.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 77 overs : 224/4
S Hope53 (125)
J Greaves14 (24)
M Ali17-3-38-0
A bit too straight, perhaps delivered in frustration. Shai looks to clip it away but misses and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls behind and by the time the keeper can get somwehere near short fine leg to stop the ball, a single is taken. Leg bye signalled. Technically a maiden for Ali who could have had Hope twice in two overs.
Around off, solidly defended this time.
EDGED, DOES NOT CARRY! Do the slips need to come forward a touch? That's what Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha are discussing at the moment. This is the second or third time that the edge has not carried behind. On a length, outside off, Hope looked to defend but again, the lateral movement away generated the outside edge. But he played with soft hands and hence, the ball died down. In front of second slip.
Full and straight, Shai works it straight to mid-wicket.
On a good length, outside off, Hope lets it pass.
On a good length, outside off, moving away with extra bounce, Shai Hope rises with the bounce and fends it down the pitch.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 76 overs : 223/4
J Greaves14 (24)
S Hope53 (119)
A Jamal12-1-62-1
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
One of the slips moves out to deep point now.
On a good length, outside off, angled in, Greaves defends.
Of all the bowlers, only Jamal has struggled to contain the batters.
A bit too straight, Justin Greaves clips it through mid-wicket for a couple.
On a length, outside off, left alone again.
Landed outside off, let through.
Full, outside off, pushed through point for a single.
'Runs are flowing like a river for Shai Hope', says Ian Bishop on air. This is Hope's 5th 50-plus score in his last 9 Test innings, with his previous knock being a magnificent 112 against Sri Lanka in Antigua. As the batting coach predicted at the start, if he bats for a few more minutes, a century could be there for the taking.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 75 overs : 220/4
S Hope52 (118)
J Greaves12 (19)
M Ali16-2-38-0
Outside off, pushed to point for a single.
A bouncer now, ducked under.
On a good length again, outside off, now this one bounces extra. Hope comes forward to defend but the ball rises sharply and pings him on the glove, dropping on the off side.
EDGED, DROPPED! Dear Azan Awais, don't look at Mohammad Ali for some time. Because his eyes are spitting fire. That's what happens when you work hard throughout, generate the opportunity, but it is not taken. On a good length, outside off, lateral away movement, Hope lunges to defend but is beaten by the movement. The outside edge is taken and the ball goes low, but straight to first slip. Awais is probably in two minds whether to dive forward or go down on his knees and the indecision costs him. He is a second late to get down and the ball hits the palms, but bursts out. Shai Hope gets a life on 51.
Lot of bounce. Back of a length, outside off, Hope looks to defend but the ball climbs up and beats the outside edge.
EDGED, BUT SAFE! In the process, Shai Hope does get to his 7th Test fifty. On a good length, outside off, Hope comes forward to defend but the ball moves away after pitching and takes the outside edge. But Hope played it with soft hands and hence, the edge died down. It went on the bounce to second slip who fumbled and parried it away. Two runs taken.
Right then. Milestone moment. Hope is on 49.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 74 overs : 217/4
J Greaves12 (19)
S Hope49 (112)
A Jamal11-1-59-1
On a good length, outside off, solidly defended.
On a length, outside off, left alone.
FOUR! THRASH! He has been beautiful to watch but this was merciless. Fractionally short and wide outside off, Justin Greaves throws his bat at it and hits it well over point for a boundary.
A touch short, outside off, extra bounce, Shai Hope rises with the bounce and punches it through the covers for a single.
Slightly fuller, outside off, left alone.
On a length outside off, solidly defended.
Free! Free! Free! As announced on Day 1, the entry to the ground for all females - adult or child - is free for today! Nice way to encourage people to come and have a look at the first-ever Test match at this venue. Pakistan make their first change of the morning as Aamer Jamal gets the ball. 10-1-54-1 so far.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 73 overs : 212/4
J Greaves8 (16)
S Hope48 (109)
M Ali15-2-35-0
A bouncer, nice change in length, outside off, Justin ducks.
FOUR! ELEGANT! He has played just 15 balls but already, Greaves is looking a lot solid. Full and outside off, but wide. Greaves reaches out, gets to the pitch of the ball and with excellent footwork and hand speed, gets the bat down beautifully to drive the ball through the covers. Holds the pose for the cameramen.
Full and straight, Greaves defends it down the pitch.
Huge shout for LBW! Turned down. Height might have been the factor. On a good length, around off and middle, Justin Greaves looked to play it straight but ended up playing down the wrong line as the ball moved away slightly. Beat the outside edge and hit him on the pads. The keeper, Mohammad Rizwan, reckons that it might have been close but is suggested by one of his team mates that the impact looked very high. Ball Tracking confirms the ball to be going over the top.
Banana. That's how the ball moved. Ali landed this on a good length outside off, angling it in, but the ball pitched and the moved away a mile. Was left alone by the batter though.
On a good length, around off, Shai Hope nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Good point mentioned by Stacy Ann King on air. She observes that Khurram Shahzad has more or less kept the same line and length on every ball this morning. But she adds that while that did help him get the wicket of Kavem Hodge, he might have to pull the length back a bit for Justin Greaves. Reason being that Greaves is a bit taller than Hodge.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 72 overs : 207/4
J Greaves4 (11)
S Hope47 (108)
K Shahzad17-5-36-1
On a length, outside off, Justin Greaves defends it down the ground.
Full and around off, JG works it towards short mid-wicket.
The length gets slightly pulled back and Justin defends it stoutly from the crease, to the off side.
On a length, around off, defended solidly.
FOUR! CRISP! Wonderful way to get off the mark. Full, around off, late away swing, but Greaves is up for it. Covers the line beautifully and drives it straight back. The bowler tries to get down to his left in his followthrough and gets fingertips on the ball. But while that slows the ball down, does not prevent it from reaching the boundary. That's the first run off Shahzad this morning, on his 14th delivery.
Full and straight, Justin Greaves defends.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 71 overs : 203/4
S Hope47 (108)
J Greaves0 (5)
M Ali14-2-30-0
Another great ball. On a length, outside off, angling in, Shai Hope stays back to defend. But the ball lands on the seam and then moves away, but does not bounce much. Beats the outside edge comfortably.
Bizarre leave. Almost Steven Smithesque. On a good length, wide outside off, SH lets it go and then swishes his bat in the air after the ball is past, almost like how you swat a fly.
On a good length, down the leg side, Shai hops and nudges it through square leg for a couple.
Full and outside off, swinging in a big deal, Hope defends solidly.
The length is pulled back a touch, outside off, left alone.
FOUR! CLASSY! Overpitched a touch from Ali, outside off, Shai Hope comes forward, extends his arms and drives it through the covers. Babar Azam dives to his right but misses while mid off cannot mop it up. The bowler should not mind this shot much though, as he got the batter to play at that. Meanwhile, 200 COMES UP FOR THE WEST INDIES.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 70 overs : 197/4
J Greaves0 (5)
S Hope41 (102)
K Shahzad16-5-32-1
Full and straight, Justin Greaves works it towards mid-wicket. A wicket maiden from Khurram Shahzad whose bowling figures now read 16-5-32-1.
Probing again. On a good length, outside off, angling in, JG looks to play straight but the ball holds its line after pitching and beats the outside edge.
Back of a length now, outside off, Justin shoulders arms.
Hmmm... there is some movement. Full, around off, angling in, Greaves looks to work it with the angle to the leg side but the ball swings late and goes off the leading edge towards cover.
On a length, a touch wider outside of, Justin Greaves lets it go.
Fairly early strike then. Justin Greaves walks in next, at number 6, replacing Kavem Hodge.
OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Forget the rankings for now. They might be ranked 8th in the last 5 years but Shahzad has struck on his 7th delivery of the morning. The probing lines and lengths give the reward. On a good length outside off, in the avenue of apprehension, Kavem Hodge is forced to play at it because the ball is coming inward. Maybe, he could have left it alone on length but it is always easier to debate after the event has occurred. The ball lands but then holds its line. The outside edge is taken and it goes low to second slip where Salman Agha takes it nicely to his right. Hodge cannot build much on his overnight score nor can he get to his century. The 91-run stand is broken and WEST INDIES ARE 197/4!
8 and 33.18. These are the rankings and the bowling average of Pakistan in Test cricket in the last 5 years. They are second as compared to other teams, but from the bottom. Surprisingly, Bangladesh are the one below them.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 69 overs : 197/3
S Hope41 (102)
K Hodge84 (182)
M Ali13-2-24-0
Delivered with a grunt, 132.4 kph, full and on middle, Shai Hope drives it towards mid on.
On a good length, around off, decent bounce, 133.2 kph, SH rises with the bounce and drops it down to the leg side.
Full and outside off, this one holds its shape, Shai drives it towards mid off.
Nicely played. Full, outside off, swinging in, Hope comes forward, and at the last moment, opens the face of his bat. Gets it to the left of backward point and by the time Aamer Jamal can get to the ball, gets a couple of runs. The stand moves to 91.
On a length, outside off, Shai Hope defends it towards point.
Extra bounce for Ali as well. On a good length, outside off, Kavem Hodge gets across to defend but the ball rises sharply. Hits the sticker and goes towards mid-wicket. A quick single taken to mark the first run of the day.
Good channels to start for Khurram Shahzad. He kept the lines and lengths probing. It will be Mohammad Ali from the other end. 12-2-21-0 so far.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 68 overs : 194/3
S Hope39 (97)
K Hodge83 (181)
K Shahzad15-4-32-0
Landed outside off, Shai Hope pushes it towards point. A maiden to get things underway on Sunday.
Full and straight, perhaps trying to catch Hope LBW as he has taken an off stump guard, landing the ball around off stump, angling it in, but SH is watchful and pushes it towards mid-wicket.
Full and around off stump, Shai works it towards mid on.
Oh dear. Now this one barely bounces! On a good length, outside off, Hope lets it through but this one barely carries to the keeper.
Similar length, this one does not bounce as much. Punched towards cover.
JAFFA! Where did that come from? On a good length, outside off, Shai Hope comes forward to defend but the ball just kicks off, catching Hope off guard and he tries his best to let the ball go. Is not able to but luckily for him, the ball moves away slightly to beat the outside edge. Good morning then.
We don't go anywhere. Shahzad comes running in but loses his runup and aborts it. Time for Take 2.
We are all set to begin proceedings for the big morning session of Day 2. The players are back on the field. Shai Hope and Kavem Hodge punch their gloves as they follow their opponents onto the field. It will be Khurram Shahzad to kick things off for the day. 14-3-32-0 so far. Hope to face. Here we go again!
PITCH REPORT - Former number 1 bowler in the ICC rankings, SAMUEL BADREE, is having a look at the pitch. The first thing he says that it is quite humid today. Feels that the pitch does not look too dissimilar to yesterday. Observes a good covering of grass that has held the deck nicely. Informs that there was some lateral movement for the seamers on Day 1, indicating that there is something for the fast bowlers on this surface. Badree feels that the West Indian batters played well, showing patience and the rewards showed. He believes that it will be interesting to see how the pitch behaves today with the sun beating down. Adds that only 12 overs of spin were bowled yesterday, but expect more today. Ends by saying that the surface is still good, there are a lot of runs on offer but we could have an exciting day in store.
Winning the toss is important here - The batting coach of West Indies, FLOYD REIFER, is up for a chat with Mali Richards. On the decision to bat first, Reifer says that winning the toss here is important. Explains that for the pitches here, batting first would be ideal. Batting last is not ideal as we could expect some spin later in the game. On Kavem Hodge's knock, Floyd says that Hodge been batting well for a while. Lauds his discipline and concentration, especially the way he handled spin. Informs that he looks to play shots and calls the way he handled himself on Day 1 as extraordinary. On the challenges as a batting coach playing different formats in quick succession, FR admits that it is a challenge. Details that the days are tight and the schedules are hectic. Whatever you do, you have got to do for long periods of time. Adds that you have got to switch from red ball to white ball but it is challenging to shift the mindset. Details that white ball is more attacking while red ball is the ability to play for longer periods. Finishes by saying that it is all about channelizing the inner ability to shift to formats. On Hope's shoulder injury, the coach calls him a warrior, adding that he keeps battling through injuries. Predicts that if Shai Hope bats for another hour, he will get a century. Expresses his wish for the batters to build more partnerships through the innings.
Sunny as of now - No, not Mr. Gavaskar who has become a household name in the Caribbean. We are talking about the conditions, which are pleasant and sunny, seemingly perfect for cricket. Any which ways, the forecast for thunderstorms is for the afternoon, but at least, for starters, we will start on time. Or say, earlier. Just a reminder - We shall have a 150-minute morning session today with play scheduled to start at 1.30 pm GMT, to compensate for the lost overs of Day 1, with 98 overs scheduled for the day.
One-man show - Just a day ago, I was talking to one of my colleagues regarding the second Zimbabwe-India T20I. And irrespective of India's score or the result, the discussion constantly kept on wavering towards one man - or kid - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year old has brought smiles to many a face today, with a swashbuckling 81 (49) in the third T20I against Zimbabwe, but the others could not contribute much. In this match, it may not matter, as India have piled on a mammoth 192/5, but they would expect a better overall batting display going forward.
Inexperience? One certainly feels so, looking at Pakistan's bowling attack at least. 4 of the 5 regular bowlers chosen for this game have a combined Test experience of 23 matches while the 5th, Mohammad Abbas, alone has played 30. Maybe that's why, despite the early incision, the attack could not quite sustain the pressure on the hosts. Of course, swords were drawn out after Pakistan's 3 losses in succession in this format, but with this kind of a bowling attack, it is difficult to win a Test match, especially away from home. Sure, the batters can help you draw Tests, or maybe win you a one-odd game by batting really well. But if you want to win consistently in this format, you need bowlers who can take wickets consistently. In helpful conditions, they could pick only two while after the pitch got better, they literally struggled to trouble the batters. Let's see how they perform on Day 2.
67 runs, 24 overs, 0 wickets, 0 boundaries! That was the status of the final session of Day 1. It is really very bizarre these days to see an hour go by without a boundary or a wicket, let alone a session! But what it also ascertains is the determination of the home side to not throw it away. For the last 12-18 months, there has been a significant development in West Indies' approach to Test cricket and one of them is definitely the return of fast bowlers. The other is technically strong batters being more consistent for their side. Ah... there was one boundary scored but that came in the form of byes, so nothing from the bat in that section. While we know the prowess of the Caribbeans in the shortest format of the game, this amount of discipline in the longest format shows that they are ready to adapt to the conditions.
How's the weather? Important question. Around 2 hours of play were lost on Saturday as a result of which, we fell 23 short of the mandatory 90 overs in a day's play. The forecast for today is for another truncated day, with thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. Let's hope the weather gods change their mind and go somewhere else instead.
A day of attrition - That's what one would term the opening day of the opening Test. Pakistan bowled tight lines and lengths while West Indies tried to hold forte. But the key thing was - neither stopped trying. Maybe, for a few minutes, the visitors lost their lines and lengths which enabled the run rate of the second session to be around 4 but otherwise, it reminded us of the yesteryears, where both, bowlers and batters had to work hard for their runs and wickets. With the pitch seemingly getting better as the day progressed, will Sunday provide a bit more entertainment? The answer will be clearer in say, a few hours as we welcome you to the second day of the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan in Trinidad.
... DAY 2 ...
That's it for Day 1 - And that, folks, is a wrap for today! It has been quite an eventful day, and we thank you for staying with us through it all. Do make sure you join us back tomorrow at 1.30 pm GMT instead of 2 pm. We might have an early start as we have lost quite some time due to rain stoppage, and the stumps were called 15 minutes early. If you want to soak in all the buildup, feel free to tune in even earlier. Until then, take care, goodbye, and cheers!
The rebuilding - The final session saw Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope show superb composure against the Pakistani bowlers. The duo have done really well to absorb the pressure and pushed the total to 194. However, it felt like the bowlers were not hitting the correct lines and lengths, which made the Windies' pair to put up more runs. To sum it up, we can say that West Indies have had the upper hand. They still have quite some batters to bat and build on this good score on Day 1, but Pakistan need to come up with some plans, as they need to find a way to get past the middle order before the first session ends on Day 2.
Quick chat - Mohammad Abbas says that it was a bad day for them. He reckons that they did some good bowling, but if they had taken two more wickets, it would have been a good day for them. He mentions that they worked hard but were a bit unlucky and Hodge played really well. He ends by saying that they will try and win this series.
The afternoon tug-of-war - After a delayed start to the second session, West Indies adopted a strategy of patience. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge ground out a vital 51-run stand before Aamer Jamal broke through, dismissing Chanderpaul for 21 thanks to a sharp catch by Salman Ali Agha. Amir Jangoo then joined Hodge to add another quick 42 runs, but Abbas struck back with a clever review to trap Jangoo LBW for 21. Despite losing timely wickets, Hodge notched up a resilient half-century, taking West Indies to 127/3 by tea.
A damp start to Day 1 - The morning began under heavy clouds after West Indies won the toss and opted to bat. On a moisture-laden pitch, Pakistan's new-ball pair of Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad made full use of the conditions. The early pressure paid off when Shahzad got Brandon King for 12, leaving the home side wobbling at 13/1. Just as debutant Ali Usman was brought on, the heavens opened up, cutting the first session short at 14.1 overs with West Indies on 23/1 and Pakistan holding the upper hand.
And just when we thought we were heading for an exciting finish, the players are making their way off the field, and this time, it is the bad light that has had the final say. The umpires have called stumps a full 15 minutes before the scheduled close of the extended play. A frustrating conclusion for the fans, but that is cricket for you, the elements always have the last word!
Game stopped due to : Bad Light
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 67 overs : 194/3
S Hope39 (91)
K Hodge83 (181)
A Usman12-1-34-0
Too full, on leg, Shai Hope digs it to mid-wicket for a single.
Arm ball, on off, Shai Hope fends it to point.
Too full, on middle, Shai Hope digs it back to the bowler.
Fullish, on off, Shai Hope blocks it back to the bowler.
A bit short, on off, Kavem Hodge knocks it to mid off for one more.
Tossed up, outside off, Shai Hope drives it through mid off for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 66 overs : 191/3
K Hodge82 (180)
S Hope37 (86)
A Jamal10-1-54-1
Short and down leg, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Pitched up, on off, Kavem Hodge knocks it down to long on for a brace.
Bangs it short, on leg, Kavem Hodge ducks under it.
Short, on off, Kavem Hodge ducks underneath it.
Short again, on leg, Shai Hope tugs it to square leg for a single.
Bangs it short, on off, Shai Hope ducks under it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 65 overs : 188/3
K Hodge80 (176)
S Hope36 (84)
A Usman11-1-31-0
Quicker, on middle, Kavem Hodge stabs it to mid off.
Fullish, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket.
Nice and full, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it back to the bowler.
Quicker, on middle, Kavem Hodge eases it to short cover.
Flatter, on off, Shai Hope drives it through covers for a single.
Full and straight, Shai Hope eases it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 64 overs : 187/3
K Hodge80 (172)
S Hope35 (82)
M Abbas19-6-44-2
Hard length, on leg, Kavem Hodge tucks it through square leg for a brace.
Fullish, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to short cover.
A loud appeal but turned down! This time Babar Azam sends it upstairs to have a check. Back of a length, on off, shaping in. Kavem Hodge looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but turned down. They refer. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows that it was going over the middle pole. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT.
Fullish, on middle, Kavem Hodge eases it back to the bowler again.
Angling in, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it back to the bowler.
FOUR BYES! That's a poor delivery! He errs his line down leg, Kavem Hodge looks to flick it but misses. Mohammad Rizwan fails to stop it as the ball races away to the fence at fine leg.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 63 overs : 181/3
K Hodge78 (166)
S Hope35 (82)
A Usman10-1-30-0
Short and outside off, Kavem Hodge slaps it through point for a single.
Flatter, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket.
Too full, on leg, Shai Hope makes room and digs it to mid off for a run.
Flatter, just outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to short cover.
Much fuller, on middle, Shai Hope eases it back to the bowler.
Turn and bounce, on off, Shai Hope blocks it to short cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 62 overs : 179/3
K Hodge77 (164)
S Hope34 (78)
M Abbas18-6-42-2
Angling in, on off, Kavem Hodge pushes it to short cover.
Hard length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Good length, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to mid on.
Kavem Hodge survives! Back of a length, on off, shaping in. Kavem Hodge is cramped for room as he looks to block it. Misses it completely as the ball hits him high on his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows that it was going over the stumps. The onfield decision is overturned to NOT OUT.
Fullish, on off, Kavem Hodge eases it to point.
Angling in, outside off, Kavem Hodge fends it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 61 overs : 179/3
K Hodge77 (158)
S Hope34 (78)
A Usman9-1-28-0
Short again, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it to point for a run.
A bit short, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it through covers for a brace.
Much fuller, on middle, Kavem Hodge lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.
Fullish, on off, Shai Hope taps it to cover for a single.
Quicker, on leg, Shai Hope flicks it to mid-wicket.
Nice and full, on off, Shai Hope pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 60 overs : 175/3
K Hodge74 (155)
S Hope33 (75)
M Abbas17-5-42-2
Much fuller, on leg, Kavem Hodge looks to flick it but miscues it to the cover fielder.
Angling in, on top of off, Kavem Hodge punches it to cover.
Slowish, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Nice and full, on middle, Kavem Hodge blocks it back to the bowler.
Hard length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
A bit fuller, on leg, Shai Hope flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 59 overs : 174/3
K Hodge74 (150)
S Hope32 (74)
A Usman8-1-24-0
Nice and full, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket.
Quicker, on off, Kavem Hodge stabs it to point.
Tossed up, on middle, Shai Hope makes room and drives it through mid off for just a single.
Fired in, on off, Shai Hope blocks it back to the bowler.
Much fuller, on leg, Kavem Hodge sweeps it to fine leg for a single.
Turn and bounce, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 58 overs : 172/3
S Hope31 (72)
K Hodge73 (146)
M Abbas16-5-41-2
Beaten! Fullish and outside off, Shai Hope looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Fullish, on middle, Kavem Hodge tucks it to square leg for a single.
Keeps it full, on middle, Kavem Hodge sweeps it to square leg.
Fullish, on middle, Kavem Hodge eases it to mid on.
On top of off, Kavem Hodge covers his line and defends it solidly.
Nice and full, on off, Kavem Hodge stabs it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 57 overs : 171/3
S Hope31 (71)
K Hodge72 (141)
A Usman7-1-22-0
Fired in, on off, Shai Hope defends it back to the bowler.
Flatter, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to fine leg for a single.
An appeal but turned down! Flatter, outside off, Kavem Hodge looks to sweep it but wears it on his pads. An appeal but nothing from the umpire. They go against the review. The impact was outside off.
Shortish, outside off, Shai Hope punches it through covers for a single.
On the stumps, a tad fuller, Shai Hope blocks it back to the bowler.
Flatter, outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to cover.
DRINKS BREAK! Shai Hope and Kavem Hodge have done exceptionally well to deal the first half of this last session on Day 1 and they will surely try to stay put till the end of the play. For Pakistan, nothing is working for them. The ball is not making much movement, and it seems the pacers are not able to hit the right lines and lengths. Is it due to exhaustion? We don't know that, what we know is they are desperate to get the fourth wicket and break this sturdy partnership.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 56 overs : 169/3
S Hope30 (67)
K Hodge71 (139)
K Shahzad14-3-32-0
Full, on middle, Shai Hope flicks it through square leg for a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Shai Hope fends it away.
Back of a length, on middle, Kavem Hodge tucks it to square leg for one.
Pitches it up, does Shahzad, on middle and leg. Shai Hope nudges it past the short mid-wicket fielder and gets a triple.
Fuller, just outside off, Shai Hope defends it to short extra cover.
Spraying it fuller, on middle and leg. Shai Hope nudges it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 55 overs : 164/3
K Hodge70 (138)
S Hope26 (62)
A Usman6-1-20-0
Full, on off, Kavem Hodge dead bats it down the track.
Usman drags his length back once again, just outside off. Kavem Hodge fends it to the off side.
Short, on middle and leg, Kavem Hodge turns it to short leg.
A touch fuller, outside off, Kavem Hodge rocks back and pushes it to the right of Babar Azam in short cover.
Full, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to mid off.
Short, outside off, Kavem Hodge slaps it straight to cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 54 overs : 164/3
S Hope26 (62)
K Hodge70 (132)
K Shahzad13-3-27-0
Pitches it up, on middle, Shai Hope works it to the left of the deep backward square leg fielder and gets a brace.
Full, outside off, Hope leaves it alone.
NO BALL! Khurram Shahzad overstepped once again. On a good length, around middle, Shai Hope turns it to deep square leg.
Angling in, on a good length, around middle, Kavem Hodge clips it to deep square leg for a single.
Pitches it up, does Shahzad, just outside off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to cover.
Full, at the stumps, Kavem Hodge drives it to mid on.
Nip backer, pitching it just outside off, on the back of a good length. Kavem Hodge looks to defend it, but misses on the inside edge and hits high on the pad. Appeal goes round, but this is surely missing down the leg side.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 53 overs : 160/3
S Hope24 (59)
K Hodge69 (128)
A Usman5-0-20-0
Full, on off, Hope brings out his solid defence.
Fuller, outside off, Hope drives it back to the bowler.
Short, around off, Hope gets on his toes and blocks it out.
A touch fuller, angling in, on middle, Shai Hope defends it down.
Short, on middle, Hope works it to mid-wicket.
Full, on middle and leg, Kavem Hodge sweeps it to the right of deep backward square leg for a single.
Ali Usman once again gets into the attack. Will he be able to get his dream wicket on his debut?
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 52 overs : 159/3
S Hope24 (54)
K Hodge68 (127)
K Shahzad12-3-23-0
Full, on off, Shai Hope drivs it to mid on.
Full, on off, Shai Hope defends it to cover.
Full, wide outside off, Hope leaves it away.
NO BALL! Fuller, angling down the leg side, Kavem Hodge misses his flick and the ball hits the pad, before it rolls to the left of the keeper for a leg bye. Also a bonus run for West Indies as Khurram Shahzad has overtsepped yet again.
Just a yard behind a good length, just outside off. Kavem Hodge blocks it out.
Pitches it up, does Shahzad, just outside off, Shai Hope drives it to the left of wide mid off, Babar Azam, and gets a quick single.
Full-length delivery, outside off, swinging it away. Shai Hope tries to drive it away, but it zips past the outside edge.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 51 overs : 156/3
S Hope23 (49)
K Hodge68 (125)
A Jamal9-1-51-1
Half-volley delivery, shaping in, on middle and leg. Shai Hope drives it down the ground. The mid off fielder sprints back and slides to cut it to three runs. That will bring up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.
Length-delivery, outside off. Hope shoulders arms at it.
Attacking the middle stump, on a good length, Shai Hope tucks it to the left of the deep backward square leg fielder and gets a double.
Fuller, outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to cover.
On a length, angling onto the stumps, Kavem Hodge clips it to mid on and gets a quick single.
Back of a length, on middle, Shai Hope tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 50 overs : 149/3
K Hodge67 (124)
S Hope17 (44)
K Shahzad11-3-21-0
On a nagging length, outside off, Kavem Hodge keeps it away.
Good length, outside off, Kavem Hodge fends it to cover.
NO BALL! Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone. Khurram Shahzad overstepped and Pakistan gives away another extra.
Serves it much fuller, pitching on middle and leg and angling down the leg side. Shai Hope misses his flick and wears on his pad, before it rolls to square leg for a leg bye.
Pitches it up, on middle, Hope works it to square leg.
Spraying down the leg side, on a good length. Shai Hope leaves it away and Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left to glove it cleanly.
Full, on off and middle, Shai Hope blocks it to the leg side.
Change! Khurram Shahzad rejoins the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 49 overs : 147/3
S Hope17 (40)
K Hodge67 (121)
A Jamal8-1-44-1
Full-length delivery, outside off, Shai Hope knocks it through point and gets another single.
Hard length, outside off, Kavem Hodge dabs it through cover and gets a single.
Bumper, on off, Kavem Hodge lets it through.
Full-length delivery, on middle and leg. Kavem Hodge works it with soft hands through the vacant square leg and gets a brace.
Full, on off, Hodge defends it to cover.
Back of a length, angling down the leg side. Kavem Hodge lets it pass through.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 48 overs : 143/3
S Hope16 (39)
K Hodge64 (116)
M Ali12-2-21-0
Full, outside off, Hope drives it well but finds the extra cover fielder.
Back of a length, outside off, nipping away. Shai Hope isn't interested to offer any shot at it.
Bumper, outside off, Shai Hope makes a leave at it.
WIDE! Bumper, but this one sails way over the batter. Hope drops his stance and gets a bonus run for his team.
Ali pushes his length fuller, on middle. Hope flicks it straight to the short mid-wicket fielder with a bounce.
Good-length delivery, on middle, Shai Hope tucks it to square leg.
Fullish, outside off, Hope pushes it to point.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 47 overs : 142/3
S Hope16 (33)
K Hodge64 (116)
A Jamal7-1-40-1
Hard-length delivery, on middle, Shai Hope tucks it to square leg for a single.
Short of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge slaps it to deep cover for a single.
Back of a length, on middle, Shai Hope bunts it to square leg for a single.
TWO BYES! A touch fuller, outside off. Shai Hope makes a leave. Mohammad Rizwan fails to glove it clean and the ball rolls away to deep third. Two byes taken by the batter.
Pitches it up, outside off, Kavem Hodge defends it to cover.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulder arms at it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 46 overs : 136/3
S Hope14 (30)
K Hodge62 (113)
M Ali11-2-20-0
Full-length delivery, outside off, Shai Hope defends it to point.
Full-length delivery, outside off, Kavem Hodge plants his front foot toward the delivery and drives it to deep point for one.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Attacking the stumps, Kavem Hodge works it to mid-wicket.
Hard-length delivery, outside off. Kavem Hodge has the intention to bunt it down, but he withdraws his bat. While doing it, the ball catches the inside edge and bounces off toward the keeper.
Fires this one on a good length, shaping in, on middle. Kavem Hodge defends it back to the bowler.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 45 overs : 135/3
K Hodge61 (108)
S Hope14 (29)
A Jamal6-1-36-1
Good-length delivery, outside off, Kavem Hodge punches it off his back foot toward the right of the deep point fielder for a single.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a double.
Full-length delivery, on off, Kavem Hodge drives it to mid off for no runs.
Back of a length, outside off, Shai Hope pulls it from the toe end of the bat to dee mid-wicket for three runs.
On a length, outside off, Shai Hope defends it to the off side.
Angling in, short of a length, on middle, Kavem Hodge pulls it to deeep square leg for a single.
Aamer Jamal will bowl from the other end.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 44 overs : 128/3
S Hope11 (27)
K Hodge57 (104)
M Ali10-2-19-0
Back of a length, outside off, Hope makes a leave at it.
Fuller, outside off, Shai Hope goes for a half-hearted push toward cover, but gets beaten on the inside edge.
Back of a length, around the hips of the batter, Kavem Hodge tucks it to deep square leg for a single.
Good-length delivery, outside off, Kavem Hodge keeps it out.
Serves it fuller again, just outside off. Kavem Hodge blocks it out.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Kavem Hodge gets on his front foot and defends it to cover.
We are back for the last session on Day 1! The players are already on the field. Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope would have only one motive in their mind, stay put till the end of the day. Mohammad Ali will start the proceedings after the Tea break. Let's play...
... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...
Hodge’s fifty keeps the balance - Unshaken by the loss of his partner, Kavem Hodge anchored the innings brilliantly, bringing up a well-deserved half-century. As the umpires called for Tea, West Indies had moved to 127/3 in 43 overs, with Hodge leading the charge on an unbeaten 56. With Mohammad Abbas already having two wickets to his name alongside Jamal's strike, both teams shared the honors in an evenly contested second session. Join us in a bit after the Tea Break...
Jamal provided the crucial breakthrough - Just as the pair was beginning to look comfortable, Pakistan turned to Aamer Jamal, and the returning pacer delivered immediately. He picked up the crucial wicket of Chanderpaul. That strike momentarily halted the home side's momentum and proved that Pakistan’s bowlers were never out of the contest.
Steady rebuilding after the rain - After a delay due to a wet outfield, West Indies resumed their innings at 23/1 with a clear focus on survival. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge refused to take any unnecessary risks against a disciplined Pakistani pace attack. The duo defended and patiently picked off the loose deliveries, stitching together a crucial 51-run partnership. Their watchful approach helped the hosts cross the 50-run mark and steady the ship on a challenging surface.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 43 overs : 127/3
S Hope11 (25)
K Hodge56 (100)
M Abbas15-5-40-2
Nice and full, on off, Shai Hope stabs it to mid off. That will be Tea Break on Day 1.
FOUR! Streaky! Full and just outside off, Shai Hope stays back and looks to block it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball races past the right of the slip fielder for a boundary.
Angling in, on off, Shai Hope tucks it to mid-wicket.
Hard length and outside off, Shai Hope leaves it alone.
Fullish, on middle, Shai Hope blocks it to mid on.
On the stumps, fuller in length, Shai Hope taps it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 42 overs : 123/3
K Hodge56 (100)
S Hope7 (19)
M Ali9-2-18-0
Slowish and outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Past the edge! Bangs it short, outside off, Kavem Hodge looks to pull it but misses.
Much fuller, on leg, Shai Hope flicks it to backward square leg for a single.
Slightly shorter, on leg, Kavem Hodge tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Fullish, on off, Kavem Hodge eases it to point.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 41 overs : 121/3
S Hope6 (18)
K Hodge55 (95)
M Abbas14-5-36-2
Keeps it full, outside off, Shai Hope taps it to the point fielder.
Hard length, outside off, Shai Hope leaves it alone.
Angling in, on off, Shai Hope fends it back to the bowler.
Back of a length, outside off, Shai Hope leaves it alone. Mohammad Rizwan, up on the stumps, does well to stop it.
Fullish, on off, Shai Hope stabs it to mid off.
Much fuller, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 120/3
S Hope6 (13)
K Hodge54 (94)
M Ali8-2-16-0
Fullish, on off, Shai Hope drives it to the cover fielder.
Shaping in, outside off, Shai Hope pushes it to backward point.
Much fuller, on off, Shai Hope taps it to the cover fielder.
Nice and full, on off, Shai Hope fends it to mid on.
Short and wide, Shai Hope shoulders arms at it.
Hard length, down leg, Shai Hope leaves it alone.
Mohammad Ali (7-1-16-0) replaces Ali Usman now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 120/3
S Hope6 (7)
K Hodge54 (94)
M Abbas13-5-35-2
Nice and full, on leg, Shai Hope flicks it to fine leg for a run.
Full and straight, Kavem Hodge turns it to square leg for one more.
Full and on leg, Shai Hope looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards backward square leg. They cross.
Down the leg side, Kavem Hodge looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards mid-wicket. They collect a leg bye.
A big appeal for caught behind but nothing from the umpire! Back of a length, angling in, on off. Kavem Hodge looks to block it but gets beaten. Mohammad Rizwan takes the catch behind the stump and appeals but the umpire is unmoved. They go against the review. The reply later shows that the ball had brushed his back leg.
Hard length, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it to backward point.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 38 overs : 116/3
S Hope4 (5)
K Hodge53 (90)
A Usman4-0-19-0
Touch short, on off, Shai Hope stabs it to short cover.
Much fuller, outside off, Kavem Hodge drives it to cover for a single.
A bit short, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it to cover.
Flighted up, on middle, Kavem Hodge leans on and pushes it to cover.
Flatter, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it back.
FOUR! Fifty up for Kavem Hodge! Tossed up and outside off, Kavem Hodge leans on and cracks a drive through cover-point for a boundary.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 37 overs : 111/3
S Hope4 (4)
K Hodge48 (85)
M Abbas12-5-32-2
Fullish, outside off, Shai Hope shoulders arms at it.
FOUR! Hope gets off the mark with some style. Full-length delivery, angling in, on off. Shai Hope leans on it and drives it through mid off for the boundary.
Fuller, outside off, nipping it away. Shai Hope looks to poke at it but only manages to get an outside edge. The ball flies to the right of Babar Azam in third slip with one bounce.
NO BALL! Full-length delivery, at the stumps, Shai Hope defends it to short mid-wicket. Mohammad Abbas has overstepped and the umpire gives it a no ball.
Shai Hope walks up to the middle.
OUT! LBW! A huge appeal, but the umpire shakes his head. Babar Azam takes the review just before the timer hits zero. This is a touch fuller in length, pitching it on off and angling in. Amir Jangoo looks to flick at it, but the ball beats the outside edge and gets pinged on the front pad. The UltraEdge shows that there is no bat involvement and the Ball Tracking reflects that the hitting the top of the middle stump. The umpire revised his decision to OUT.
Full, on off, Amir Jangoo nudges it to mid-wicket.
Hard length, outside off, Amir Jangoo makes a leave.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 36 overs : 106/2
K Hodge48 (85)
A Jangoo21 (29)
A Usman3-0-14-0
A touch shorter, outside off, Kavem Hodge punches it to cover.
Full, on off, Kavem Hodge eases it to cover.
Short, on off, Kavem Hodge defends it down.
FOUR! This time it gets to the fence. Short of a length, outside off, turning away. Kavem Hodge rocks back and cuts it behind backward point for a boundary.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Kavem Hodge comes down the track and lofts it over mid off. Interestingly, the ball drops in the deep and gets plugged onto the field. The batters only got a brace.
Full, on off, Kavem Hodge prods and defends it to cover.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 35 overs : 100/2
A Jangoo21 (29)
K Hodge42 (79)
M Abbas11-5-27-1
Full, outside off, Amir Jangoo defends the inside line and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Fuller, way down the leg side. Mohammad Rizwan does really well to dive to his right and glove it.
On a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo shoulders arms at it.
Hard length, outside off, Amir Jangoo covers the stump and leave it away.
Serving it fuller, outside off, Amir Jangoo leaves it away.
Pitches it up, on off, Kavem Hodge pushes it to the left of the cover fielder and gets a single. That will bring up the 100 for the Windies.
Mohammad Abbas (10-5-26-1) returns into the attack.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 34 overs : 99/2
A Jangoo21 (24)
K Hodge41 (78)
A Jamal5-1-29-1
SIX! That's the first biggie of the game. Short of a length, on off and middle. Amir Jangoo seems to be ready for that delivery as he pulls it up and over the deep backward square leg for half a dozen.
Back of a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo defends the inside line.
Full-length delivery, on middle, Amir Jangoo tries to defend, but gets the inside edge, before it rolls to sqaure leg.
Just a yard behind the fuller length, slanting in. Amir Jangoo nudges it to mid-wicket.
Good length, on middle, Amir Jangoo works it to mid-wicket.
FOUR! Not entirely from the middle of the bat, but Jangoo won't mind the runs. Back of a length, outside off. Amir Jangoo looks to cut it away, but gets the connection from the outer part of his bat. The ball flies over the gap between slip cordon and gully for four runs.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 33 overs : 89/2
K Hodge41 (78)
A Jangoo11 (18)
K Shahzad10-3-20-0
A touch fuller, just outside off, shaping in, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket.
Pitches it up, fuller, pitching it outside off and angling in just a shade. Kavem Hodge, with no footwork, looks to defend, but the ball sneaks into the gap between bat and pad, before it just beats the off stump.
Just a yard behind the good length, outside off, Kavem Hodge makes a leave.
Back of a length, on middle, Kavem Hodge tucks it to mid-wicket.
Length-delivery, outside off, Kavem Hodge bunts it to the off side.
Nearly a yorker, but misses the line as Shahzad sprays it down the leg side.
Runs Scored 10 Runs
Score after 32 overs : 89/2
A Jangoo11 (18)
K Hodge41 (72)
A Jamal4-1-19-1
Pushes his length fuller again, does Jamal, shaping in, on middle and leg. Amir Jangoo defends it back to the bowler.
On a nagging length, on off, Amir Jangoo bring out his solid defence.
Short, outside off, Kavem Hodge spanks it to deep cover. Mohammad Ali dives to his rigth and saves the boundary. Single taken.
Fuller once again, just outside off, Amir Jangoo pushes it before opening the face of the bat. The point fielder does well to back track and cuts it to three runs.
FOUR! This shot is even better and probably the best of the day so far. A touch fuller in length, keeping the line on the fifth stump. Amir Jangoo plants his front foot toward the delivery and drives it gloriously to beat the cover fielder to his rigth and gets four runs.
Back of a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo gets on the top of it and punches it into the gap between point and cover for a brace.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 31 overs : 79/2
K Hodge40 (71)
A Jangoo2 (13)
K Shahzad9-2-20-0
A tad fuller, on off, nipping away. Kavem Hodge defends it to the off side.
Serving on the good length once again, does Shahzad, keeping his line closer to the off stump and swinging it away. Kavem Hodge reads it really well and lets it travel to the keeper.
On a nagging length, pitching it just outside off, angling in. Kavem Hodge leans on it and defends it down.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Kavem Hodge prods and drives it back to the bowler.
Pitches it up, on middle, Kavem Hodge nudges it to the leg side.
Good-length delivery, outside off, Kavem Hodge defends it back to the bowler.
DRINKS BREAK! So far so good for West Indies. Yes, they lost another wicket in the shape of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, but they are yet again on their way to building a strong partnership. Kavem Hodge is looking very confident and full of discipline. He is hardly hitting any shots which is outside the stumps, but when he is hitting, he is making sure it get to the fence.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 30 overs : 79/2
A Jangoo2 (13)
K Hodge40 (65)
A Jamal3-1-9-1
Length-delivery, outside off, Amir Jangoo isn't interested to offer any shot at it.
On a nagging length, outside off, Amir Jangoo initially looks to play at it, but withdraws his bat pretty late. The ball ends up hitting the face of the bat, before it rolls to gully.
Pitches it up, does Jamal, on middle. Amir Jangoo defends it to the leg side.
Jamal bashes it hard on a good length, outside off. The ball kicks off the track and gets a good bounce. Amir Jangoo arches back to let it through.
Searving it fuller, on middle, Kavem Hodge tucks it to deep square leg for one.
Back of a length, on off, Kavem Hodge hangs back and bunts it down to point.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 29 overs : 78/2
A Jangoo2 (9)
K Hodge39 (63)
K Shahzad8-1-20-0
Back of a length, outside off, Amir Jangoo lifts his willow up and lets it travel to the keeper.
Full-length delivery, just outside off, Amir Jangoo flicks it to square leg for no runs.
Much fuller, just behind the yorker length, wide outside off. Amir Jangoo makes a leave at it.
Back of a length, shaping in, around the hips of the batter. Amir Jangoo glances it from the inner part of his bat toward the right of short fine leg for a brace.
Just a yard behind the good length, on off, Amir Jangoo stabs it to cover.
Back of a length, angling down the leg side. Amir Jangoo misses his pull.
Runs Scored 8 Runs
Score after 28 overs : 76/2
K Hodge39 (63)
A Jangoo0 (3)
A Jamal2-1-8-1
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries from Kavem Hodge. Back of a length, wide outside off, Kavem Hodge rocks back and slaps it down but hard, to beat the right of the backward point fielder for another boundary.
FOUR! Oh, what a shot that is! Back of a length, on middle, angling in. Kavem Hodge swivels on his back foot and pulls it from the sweet spot of his willow to deep square leg for four runs.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge gets on the top of the bounce and slaps it to point.
Angling in, on off, Kavem Hodge defends it to the off side.
A touch fuller, outside off. Kavem Hodge shoulder arms at it.
Full-length delivery, shaping it away, outside off. Kavem Hodge leaves it away.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 27 overs : 68/2
A Jangoo0 (3)
K Hodge31 (57)
K Shahzad7-1-18-0
Full, on middle, Amir Jangoo works it to mid on.
Full, outside off, Amir Jangoo makes a leave at it.
Full, outside off, Kavem Hodge bunts it to the left of the short extra cover for a single.
NO BALL! Back of a length, spraying down the leg side. Kavem Hodge looks to pull but only manages to get some part of his gloves. The ball stays low and gets Mohammad Rizwan with a boundary. The umpire spots an overstep and gives a no ball.
Beaten once again! Full-length delivery, outside off., swinging it away. Kavem Hodge looks to knock it through cover once again, but it sneaks past the outside edge.
On a good length, outside off, Kavem Hodge punches it through cover and gets a brace.
Pitches it up, does Shahzad, just outside off. Kavem Hodge gets on his front foot to push it to cover, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 26 overs : 64/2
A Jangoo0 (1)
K Hodge28 (52)
A Jamal1-1-0-1
Shortish, down the leg side, Amir Jangoo swings to pull but misses.
Amir Jangoo is the new man in.
OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Aamer Jamal joins the attack and instantly delivers. This is on the back of a good length, pitching it just outside off, angling in to attack the stumps but shaping it a shade away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul hangs back, covers the stumps and looks to block it down, but it takes a huge chunk of outside edge and zips straight to Salman Agha in the first slip region wo pouch the low catch to his right.
Hard-length delivery, around off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to cover.
Angling in, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul nudges it to mid-wicket.
A touch fuller, spearing it well outside off. Tagenarine Chanderpaul makes a leave at it.
Aamer Jamal comes from around the wicket and bowls on a good length at the stumps. Tagenarine Chanderpaul shuffles and defends it to the left of the bowler.
West Indies are 64/1 after 25 overs. This partnership is turning out to be a crucial one for the West Indies. Pakistan will try to break this soon. Aamer Jamal comes into the attack now.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 25 overs : 64/1
K Hodge28 (52)
T Chanderpaul21 (72)
K Shahzad6-1-14-0
On the stumps, fuller in length, Kavem Hodge flicks it to mid-wicket.
Nice and full, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Past the edge! A peach from Khurram Shahzad. Hard length and just outside off, shaping away at the last moment, Kavem Hodge tries to block it but gets beaten.
Hard length and outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
A bit too full, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
FOUR! A 50-run partnership comes up between Kavem Hodge and Tagenarine Chanderpaul now! Full and outside off, Kavem Hodge lunges and slashes it through backward point for a boundary.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 24 overs : 60/1
T Chanderpaul21 (72)
K Hodge24 (46)
M Ali7-1-16-0
A bit of inward movement, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul punches it to cover.
Bangs it short, on middle and leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul ducks underneath it.
A big shout for LBW but nothing from the umpire! Back of a length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to flick it but wears it high on his pads. An appeal, but turned down. They go against the review. Perhaps the height.
Length and on leg, Kavem Hodge turns it to backward square leg for one more.
Bangs it short, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tugs it through backward square leg for a run.
Slightly shorter, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 23 overs : 58/1
K Hodge23 (45)
T Chanderpaul20 (67)
M Abbas10-5-26-1
FOUR! That's a powerful shot from Kavem Hodge! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Kavem Hodge swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg as the ball races away to the fence in a flash.
Tight leave! Hard length, shaping away, just outside off. Kavem Hodge reads it well and leaves it alone.
Fullish and on off, Kavem Hodge lunges and defends it to mid off.
Hard length, on middle, Kavem Hodge tries to block it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. The ball rolls towards point. Dot.
A bit too full, outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
Shaping in, on off, Kavem Hodge stabs it to mid on.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 22 overs : 54/1
T Chanderpaul20 (67)
K Hodge19 (39)
M Ali6-1-14-0
Fullish, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul knocks it down to long off for a brace.
Tad fuller, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Back of a length, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul punches it to cover. Another frontfoot no ball from Mohammad Ali.
Fullish, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul eases it to the mid off fielder.
Good length, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to mid-wicket. Oh, it's a frontfoot no ball from Mohammad Ali.
Length and outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul cuts it to the point fielder, who dives to his left and makes a good stop. Dot again.
Hard length, angling in, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it to the left of mid-wicket.
Some late movement! Shaping in, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 21 overs : 50/1
T Chanderpaul18 (59)
K Hodge19 (39)
M Abbas9-5-22-1
50 comes up on the board for the West Indies! Full and outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it through backward point for a single.
Sways it down the leg side, Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to flick it but misses.
Back of a length, on leg, Kavem Hodge tucks it through backward square leg for a single.
FOUR! That is perfectly timed from Kavem Hodge! Full and outside off, Kavem Hodge takes a step forward and knocks it firmly through mid off for a boundary.
Slower one, outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
A touch fuller, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it to cover for a single.
Runs Scored 3 Runs
Score after 20 overs : 43/1
K Hodge14 (36)
T Chanderpaul16 (56)
M Ali5-1-10-0
A tad fuller, on off, Kavem Hodge lunges and blocks it to the cover fielder.
Fullish, on off, Kavem Hodge stabs it to mid off.
Angling in, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to the gully fielder.
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul slaps it through covers. Babar Azam chases and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The umpire checks and confirms that it was a clean stop. The batters collect three runs.
Length and way outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
Much fuller, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it to point.
Runs Scored 7 Runs
Score after 19 overs : 40/1
K Hodge14 (33)
T Chanderpaul13 (53)
M Abbas8-5-15-1
Shaping away, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Past the edge! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Kavem Hodge has a waft at it but misses.
FOUR! That's a good shot! Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge rocks back and cuts it in the gap through cover for a boundary.
Full and on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul times it through mid off. Shan Masood has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
Beaten! Hard length, outside off, holds the line. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to block it but gets beaten.
Fullish, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to mid off.
Mohammad Abbas (7-5-8-1) returns.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 18 overs : 33/1
K Hodge10 (30)
T Chanderpaul10 (50)
M Ali4-1-7-0
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leaves it alone.
Shaping away, on off, Kavem Hodge punches it to the cover fielder.
Hard length, on middle and leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul tucks it through backward square leg for a single.
Hard length and just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to cover.
Nice and full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabs it to mid off.
A tad fuller, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul eases it to short cover.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 17 overs : 32/1
K Hodge10 (28)
T Chanderpaul9 (46)
A Usman2-0-8-0
Quicker and on leg, Kavem Hodge defends it to the fielder at short leg.
Much fuller, on leg, Kavem Hodge flicks it to square leg.
Flatter, on leg, Kavem Hodge sweeps it to the fielder at short fine leg.
Fired in, on off, Kavem Hodge lunges and blocks it to short cover.
Turn and bounce, on middle, Kavem Hodge sweeps it to fine leg for a brace.
A bit short, outside off, Kavem Hodge punches it through backward point for a brace.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 16 overs : 28/1
T Chanderpaul9 (46)
K Hodge6 (22)
M Ali3-1-6-0
Too full, on middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul digs it back to the bowler.
Angling in, on off, Kavem Hodge pushes it to mid off for a single.
Slowish and outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
A bit fuller, on off, Kavem Hodge stabs it to mid off.
Short and outside off, shaping away, Kavem Hodge shoulders arms at it.
Shaping away, on off, Kavem Hodge blocks it to cover.
Mohammad Ali to share the attack.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 15 overs : 27/1
T Chanderpaul9 (45)
K Hodge5 (17)
A Usman1-0-4-0
Drags his length back, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to mid on.
Nice and full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to the fielder at short leg.
FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Quicker and down leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul swivels and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg as the ball races away to the fence.
Flatter, on leg, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Ali Usman starts with a dot. Turns it away, down the leg side. Tagenarine Chanderpaul leaves it alone.
We are all set to resume now after the rain break. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge will resume their innings. Ali Usman will finish his over. Let's go...
UPDATE - 4.46 pm GMT - The main cover is now coming off the pitch, and the super sopper has been deployed to take care of the remaining water puddles around the outfield. The sky is looking clear, and we can see a player of Pakistan warming up. Resumption news should not be too far away now, so stay with us, folks!
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
Rain stops, covers off - Well, if you are asking about the current picture out there, it is looking a lot more promising! The rain has completely stopped, the skies have brightened up considerably, and there is a renewed sense of optimism around the ground. The groundsmen are working efficiently, mopping up the water puddles around the outfield, while some of them have already begun peeling back the covers and dragging them away from the field. Things are moving in the right direction, and let's just hope we get the resumption in time. The Lunch Break will end in 4.40 pm GMT.
Abbas breaks through - The Pakistani pacers kept on asking the questions, and eventually they got a bit lucky to get their first breakthrough in the form of Brandon King. Mohammad Abbas is the man who did the good deed and just after that, the Windies batters were put on the back foot. They were seen not to exploit any deliveries outside the stumps, and just when Pakistan were getting loads of appeals, sometimes for caught behind and other times for LBW, the rain interrupted the play.
LUNCH BREAK - Session summary - 23 runs, 14.1 overs and a wicket. Yes, the game stopped due to rain, but there were surely some interesting events that happened in the first hour of the game. After electing to bat first, the Windies started their innings with full caution. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas were disciplined from the outset, offering West Indies little to score freely off, while Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul worked hard to see off the new ball with a watchful opening stand.
UPDATE - 3.53 pm GMT - Some positive news! Things have calmed down considerably out there, with just a light drizzle lingering over the ground, but heavier rain has well and truly eased, and while the skies are not entirely clear just yet, the broader picture is certainly a more encouraging one. However, we just got the announcement that the Lunch has been called.
UPDATE - 3.38 pm GMT - Folks, things are not looking great out there at all. What we hoped would be a brief passing shower has now turned into a full-blown downpour, and the rain is coming down with relentless intensity. One glance at the sky is enough to tell you that we could be in for a lengthy wait. The covers are firmly on, the players are in the dressing room, and for now, Mother Nature is not looking in a good mood. Stay tuned for further updates.
UPDATE - 3.17 pm GMT - Oh no! Just as we were discussing it, the rain has made its presence felt right here in Brain Lara Cricket Academy! The drizzle had actually set in a couple of overs ago, but the umpires opted to play on, hopeful that it was nothing more than a passing shower. However, the rain has now picked up in intensity, leaving the umpires with little choice but to call the players off the field. The groundsmen have wasted no time, charging onto the outfield with their large covers to protect the pitch. Fingers crossed it is a brief interruption and we are back underway soon!
Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition
Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage
Huge appeal for LBW once again, but the umpire is still not satisfied. Full-length delivery, around off. Tagenarine Chanderpaul comes down the track and looks ot defend, but the ball turns in and beats the inside edge and hits the front pad. There's again lots of discussion for the review, but they decide against it as the batter comes way down the track to play the ball.
Ali Usman joins the attack now on his debut.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 14 overs : 23/1
K Hodge5 (17)
T Chanderpaul5 (39)
M Ali2-1-5-0
FOUR! Short and punished! Back of a length, outside off, not much swing on it. Kavem Hodge gets on his back foot and pulls it away toward deep square leg. The fielder in deep fine leg runs to his left and slides to flick the ball back in. But the replay shows that while doing the process, he touches the boundary ropes.
Pitches it up, does Ali, just outside off, Kavem Hodge brings out his front foot and pushes it to mid off.
On a nagging length, outside off, Kavem Hodge bunts it down to backward point.
NO BALL!. Ali has overstepped and the umpire gives a no ball. Hard length, outside off, Kavem Hodge leave it away.
Hard length, outside off, Hodge makes a leave.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge knocks it to backward point.
Back of a length, outside off, Kavem Hodge tries to defend but the ball gets the inside edge and wraps around his pads. The ball rolls down the leg side. A fortunate escape for Hodge.
DRINKS BREAK! The weather is not at all looking ideal. It's cloudy and things have gone a bit darker. But the forecast is not showing any rain. Let's hope it's true. However, in these overcast conditions, one thing will surely be beneficial to Pakistan, and that is for the pacers. The ball is moving really well and swinging in and out from both ends. If they are able to control it, they might capitalize the situation here. For Windies, they just need to be calm and composed. Try to bat till Lunch and accumulate as many runs as you can.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 13 overs : 18/1
T Chanderpaul5 (39)
K Hodge1 (10)
M Abbas7-5-8-1
Back of a length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul punches it to point.
Back of a length, swinging it away from the lefty. Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends the inside edge.
Hard length, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul opens the face of the bat and steers it to left of gully.
Good length, shaping in, around middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul defends it to the leg side.
Back of a length, angling across the batter, outside off. Tagenarine Chanderpaul lets it travel to the keeper.
Huge shout for LBW, but the umpire remains unmoved. After a very long discussion between Abbas and Babbar, Pakistan opt for the review. Just a bit behind the good length, pitching it around off and nipping it away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to flick it but gets beaten on the outside edge and hits high on the back pad. However, the UntraEdge pops up and shows that the ball is pitching outside leg. Pakistan burns a review here.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 12 overs : 18/1
K Hodge1 (10)
T Chanderpaul5 (33)
M Ali1-1-0-0
On a good length, outside off, Kavem Hodge once lets it travel to the keeper.
Back of a length, pitching it way outside off and swings it away from the batter. Kavem Hodge lifts his bat up and makes way to keave it.
Good-length deivery, nipping in, on off. Kavem Hodge hops a bit and rests it down the deck.
Fullish, just outside off, Kavem Hodge fends it to cover.
Hard length, on off, Hodge blocks it back to the bowler.
Mohammad Ali joins the attack now! Full-length delivery, around off, Kavem Hodge defends it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 11 overs : 18/1
T Chanderpaul5 (33)
K Hodge1 (4)
M Abbas6-4-8-1
Fuller in length, on middle, angling in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul nudges it to mid-wicket. Yet again, Abbas goes to the batter and has a few words. Tagenarine Chanderpaul back off to ignore it. This time, the umpire gets to Abbas to calm things down.
Good length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul once again plays the inside line. A bit of spicy words from Abbas as well.
Fuller, way outside off, swinging in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul plays the inside line to guard the off stump.
Just a yard behind the good length, spraying it outside off. Tagenarine Chanderpaul shuffles to cover the stumps and offers no shot at it.
On a nagging length, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul fends it to cover.
Angling in, on middle, on a good length. Tagenarine Chanderpaul works it to mid-wicket.
Runs Scored 1 Runs
Score after 10 overs : 18/1
K Hodge1 (4)
T Chanderpaul5 (27)
K Shahzad5-1-10-0
Back of a length, around off, Kavem Hodge gets on his toes and dabs it to point.
Full, but sliding down the leg side, Kavem Hodge misses his flick.
Fuller, just outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul knocks it to backward point and gets a single.
Full, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul gets his body behind the line and defends it down.
Full, around middle, Tagenarine Chanderpaul flicks it to mid-wicket.
Just sniffing the outside edge! Good-length delivery, pitching it outside off and nipping it away. Tagenarine Chanderpaul rocks back to defend it away, but it just sneaks past the outside edge.
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 9 overs : 17/1
T Chanderpaul4 (23)
K Hodge1 (2)
M Abbas5-3-8-1
On the fuller side, slanting in, on middle. Tagenarine Chanderpaul rolls his wrists and flicks it through the square leg region. The ball doesn't have enough legs to travel all the way to the boundary fence, as the mid-wicket fielder backtracks to cut it to three runs.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul lets it travel to the keeper.
Sliding in, fuller, around the pads of the batter. Kavem Hodge glances it to deep backward square leg for one.
Short, outside off, Kavem Hodge shoulder arms at it.
Kavem Hodge is the new man at the crease.
OUT! DRAGGED ON! Oh my lord. That is such an unfortunate way to get dismissed. Mohammad Abbas gives a wide smile as he knows he gets a bit lucky here. This is a back-of-a-length delivery, offering a lot of width, outside off. Brandon King frees his arms to slap it through cover, but the ball stays a bit after pitching on the deck and hits the inside edge, before it crashes into the stumps. Pakistan get their first breakthrough.
Attacking the stumps, on off and middle. Brandon King works it to mid on.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 8 overs : 13/0
B King12 (27)
T Chanderpaul1 (21)
K Shahzad4-1-9-0
Pitches it up, outside off, Brandon King opens the face of the bat, before pushing it away toward the left of the cover fielder for a single.
Nails a yorker this time, on middle. Brandon King drops his willow and digs it out.
Shaping in, on a fuller length, pitching it on middle. Brandon King looks to flick it away, but plays all over it, and it hits the front pad. Oh, the replay shows that the UltraEdge has a spike when the ball misses the inside edge.
Full-length delivery, just outside off. Brandon King drives it to mid on.
Pitches it up, outside off, angling in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul covers the stumps and closes his willow to tuck it through square leg for one.
Hard-length delivery, outside off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul pushes it to cover.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 7 overs : 11/0
B King11 (23)
T Chanderpaul0 (19)
M Abbas4-3-4-0
Just a yard behind the good length, outside off. Brandon King gets on his front foot and goes for an expansive punch through cover, but connects it from the inside edge and it bounces off back to the bowler.
Back of a length, just outside off, Brandon King keeps it out.
Fuller in length, angling in, just outside off. Brandon King strides out and defends it to cover, right under his eyesight.
Pitches it up, full and around off, Brandon King prods and stabs it to cover.
Nipping in pretty sharply, just outside off, on a good length. Brandon King covers the stumps and looks to leave it away, but the ball seams in and hits the back thigh pad.
Bends his back does Mohammad Abbas, on a good length. Brandon King defends it down.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 6 overs : 11/0
T Chanderpaul0 (19)
B King11 (17)
K Shahzad3-1-7-0
Just outside off, shaping in, on a hard length. Tagenarine Chanderpaul gets on his back foot and works it to the leg side.
Hard-length delivery, on off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul gets on his toes and defends it to the off side.
Angling in, on middle and leg. Tagenarine Chanderpaul looks to flick it away, but gets beaten and wears on the pad.
Back of a length, angling down the leg side. Tagenarine Chanderpaul makes a leave at it.
Angling in, on top of off, Tagenarine Chanderpaul covers his line and blocks it solidly.
Back of a length, outside off, shaping in. Tagenarine Chanderpaul blocks it to short cover.
Finally, the broadcasting issue is resolved!
Runs Scored 4 Runs
Score after 5 overs : 11/0
B King11 (17)
T Chanderpaul0 (13)
M Abbas3-2-4-0
Four! Nice one. A good-looking square drive is played and it results in a boundary.
No run, this is driven towards mid on.
No run, played towards mid off.
No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.
No run, the batter is not interested in playing at that.
No run, the batter shoulders arms to let that one through.
Runs Scored 5 Runs
Score after 4 overs : 7/0
T Chanderpaul0 (13)
B King7 (11)
K Shahzad2-0-7-0
No run, the batter shoulders arms to let that one through.
3 runs, the batter drives this through the covers. Good running between the wickets to pick up three runs.
No run, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.
No run. A dot ball from Brandon King.
2 runs for Brandon King.
No run, played towards mid off.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 3 overs : 2/0
T Chanderpaul0 (12)
B King2 (6)
M Abbas2-2-0-0
Another maiden from Mohammad Abbas. Tagenarine Chanderpaul is yet to get off the mark.
Five dots now.
Another dot ball from Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
No run, that is defended solidly off the front foot.
A dot ball from Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
No run, the batter is not interested in playing at that.
2 overs done and West Indies are 2 for no loss. The broadcast issue is still not fixed, though. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon!
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 2 overs : 2/0
B King2 (6)
T Chanderpaul0 (6)
K Shahzad1-0-2-0
No run, played towards mid off.
No run, played towards point.
West Indies and Brandon King are underway! 2 runs, played towards square leg.
Another dot ball from Brandon King.
No run, that is driven through the covers, but it is a dot ball.
No run, played towards covers.
A maiden from Mohammad Abbas. Khurram Shahzad to share the attack. The broadcast issue is still not fixed.
Runs Scored 0 Runs
Score after 1 overs : 0/0
T Chanderpaul0 (6)
B King0 (0)
M Abbas1-1-0-0
No run, this is down the off side and let through.
Five dots and the broadcasting issue is still not resolved.
No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease.
Another dot ball.
No run, the batter cuts the ball square but it is intercepted.
There was a broadcast issue and all we know is that it was a dot ball.
We are facing some broadcasting issues at the moment which has delayed the scoring of this game. We will resume updates shortly.
We are all done with the pre match formalities now. Pakistan players take their respective field positions. Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul open up for the West Indies. Mohammad Abbas has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
Time for the national anthems - We are all set to begin. Both sides along with the match officials stride out in the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. First up will be the national anthems of Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Pakistan. And finally it will be wrapped up with the iconic West Indies cricket anthem.
Pitch Report by Samuel Badree - Samuel Badree says it is nice and cool at the moment, around 29 degrees and feeling like 31. He notes they are in the middle of hurricane season, so there is every chance of rainfall in the match and hopefully it is minimal. Looking at the surface, he says it is pretty even with brown grass right across it, which should hold the pitch together for all five days. He adds that bowling in the first session will be tricky for the opening batters because there will be seam movement and swing, and the wicket will then need to balance that with good batting on Days 4 and 5. Spin is expected to come into play later on. Badree also says a Test match between Pakistan and West Indies is always unpredictable.
West Indies (Playing XI) - Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope (WK), Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase (C), Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
Babar Azam on the toss - Babar Azam says that had Pakistan won the toss they would have batted first as well, but since the toss isn’t in their hands they will look to make the best use of the little bit of moisture in the pitch while bowling. On leading the side again, he adds that there are a lot of good things within the group and the focus is on sticking to their plans, believing in themselves, and executing what they have worked on as a team. He notes that they have been doing a lot of positive things in preparation for the West Indies series, with a camp and matches over the last two to three months, and now it is about carrying those positives into the games. Babar also confirms that Ali Usman is making his debut today.
Skipper of West Indies - Roston Chase says West Indies want to bat first because the wicket looks a bit dry and they want to make use of the best part of it before it deteriorates later on. On staying motivated with so much cricket, he says the Test Championship gives the team extra energy as they are aiming to finish 5th or 6th on the table, and that pushes them to give as much as possible. He adds that playing the first-ever Test at the Brian Lara Oval is going to be a good experience, and with the great man having passed away last week it is a sad moment for cricket, but they will give their best to try and make him proud. Chase also confirms the team combination: 3 fast bowlers, 1 spinner and an all-rounder in Justin Greaves.
TOSS - West Indies have won the toss and they will be BATTING first.
Glorious conditions setup a thrilling contest - Looking ahead to the opening day, the surface at Tarouba offers a fresh canvas for both teams. The Pakistani batters enter with confidence after some fine runs in the warm-up game, while the Windies look determined to maintain their strong home record in Tests this summer. Can Babar Azam start his second captaincy stint with a triumphant result, or will Roston Chase inspire his team to another memorable victory? Stay tuned as the toss is coming up next!
Fresh leadership for Pakistan - Pakistan are eager to put their recent Bangladesh tour behind them and begin a brand new chapter. Babar Azam is back in charge as Test captain, and he will look to set the tone with a big performance using his own bat. The management has taken a tough call by leaving out Shaheen Shah Afridi, handing opportunities to returning pacers like Mohammad Ali and promising young talents. The Asian side needs their bowling unit to maintain steady pressure in the middle overs, avoiding the sudden drops in pace that hurt them in previous matches.
Host nation seeking red-ball consistency - For West Indies, the key today is to build on their series win against Sri Lanka and maintain high energy throughout all five days. Captain Roston Chase will want his top order to show resilience, with Kirk McKenzie or Tagenarine Chanderpaul taking charge in the absence of injured opener John Campbell. The home side missing Alzarri Joseph means veteran Kemar Roach must lead the pace attack with maximum discipline. The Windies bowlers need to learn from recent white-ball outings and hunt for early wickets to put the visitors on the back foot immediately.
A brand new venue for red-ball action - Hello and welcome to Tarouba! We are in from the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad for the first game of this exciting two-match series between West Indies and Pakistan. Today marks a special milestone as this venue makes its debut in Tests, becoming the thirteenth venue in the Caribbean to host the longest format. Both teams are currently placed at the bottom of the World Test Championship cycle, so picking up maximum points here is crucial for both sides to revive their campaign.
... DAY 1, SESSION 1 ...
Commentary
Dropping down the curtains - Right then, that is it from this Test match. Pakistan lost their eighth consecutive test match. West Indies lead the series, and they will be looking forward to get the glory by winning the second as well. The next encounter between these two giants will be on 2nd of August, Sunday. The first ball will be bowled at 2 pm GMT, but as always, you can join us early for the buildup. Till then, it's a goodbye from the commentary box. Cheers!
The victorious captain of West Indies - Roston Chase says that this is a great feeling and that their team played really well. He reckons that the efforts from their bowlers were excellent and they showed patience. He mentions that he loves how the team is working and everyone contributes in their own ways. He ends by saying that it also feels good to get an extra day's rest.
The skipper of Pakistan - Babar Azam starts off by saying that they played really well in the last couple of days, but they needed some better batting from his unit. About the surface, Babar says that it was good to bat on. The new ball was moving very well, but as it got older, it became easier to build a partnership. On Shan Masood's finger injury, Babar lamented that losing him was unfortunate for the team and acknowledged that they certainly missed his presence on the field. He then explained that regardless of such setbacks, surviving the early overs against the new ball and building partnerships can put a team in a strong position, though he admitted they failed to execute that strategy. Looking ahead to turning things around in the next Test match, he stated that the team will gather to analyze their mistakes and pinpoint where things went wrong.
Player of the Match - Justin Greaves is the Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the second innings and a couple of wickets in the fourth innings. He says that he always gives his best for the team and he is happy to be on the winning side. He reckons that their plan was to bowl with discipline and says that targeting the stumps worked well for them. He ends by saying that they will try to carry on with the same momentum in their next game as well.
Time for the presentaton ceremony...
The lone wolf for the visitors - Despite losing six wickets, the only hope that Pakistan still had is Babar Azam. He watched the wickets fall from one end and but still didn't lose any confidence on his strokes. After the fall of the sixth wicket, Shan Masood couldn't much helped with his fractured finger. Mohammad Ali and Shahzad stepped in and out with just 71 runs on the board. However, Abbas played some handy shots as well to trigger the scoreline, but the difference between them and the Windies was 90 runs. Jayden Seales was pick of the bowlers in the fourth inning, picking up five wickets and dismantling the opposition.
The top order struggles for Pakistan - What was expected to be a measured fourth-innings chase turned into an outright nightmare for Pakistan as the West Indies pacers unleashed absolute carnage. Kemar Roach struck early to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq, before Jayden Seales trapped both Azan Awais and Salman Ali Agha to leave the visitors trembling at 25/3. After Lunch, Justin Greaves joined the demolition derby, cleaning up Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal in quick succession, before Roach returned to dismiss Ali Usman as Pakistan reeled at a dismal 53/6.
The tailenders counter-attack - Carrying momentum into their second turn at bat, West Indies immediately ran into a Mohammad Abbas storm as the veteran pacer tore through the top order with a lethal 5 for 22, leaving the hosts gasping at 93/7. Just when Pakistan smelled a total blowout, the Windies tail refused to wave the white flag. Kemar Roach and a fearless Shamar Joseph launched a roaring 61-run stand, with Joseph smashing four huge sixes in a quickfire 38. Their lower-order fightback dragged West Indies to 181, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 211 runs on a tricky, wearing pitch.
Masood’s masterclass - Pakistan’s reply started on a shaky note as Kemar Roach removed Azan Awais for a duck, but Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq completely flipped the script with a magnificent 155-run stand. Masood played a masterpiece of an innings, storming to a sensational 109, while Imam anchored with a smooth 63 to put Pakistan in total control at 199 for 3 by Day 2's close. However, Day 3 brought a nightmare collapse sparked by Justin Greaves, who produced a mind-boggling spell of 5 for 27. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 38 runs to fold for 282, handing West Indies a surprising 29-run lead.
West Indies dig deep - The Test kicked off under gloomy Tarouba skies with Pakistan’s relentless pacers making the new ball talk, but West Indies showed tremendous grit to post a competitive 311. Brandon King fell early, yet Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope, scoring 84 and 92, respectively, to lead a gutsy recovery, constructing crucial partnerships to steady the ship. Pakistan’s seam trio hunted in a pack, with Mohammad Ali snagging four wickets and Mohammad Abbas breaking through at key moments. Even when rain and bad light repeatedly halted play, the hosts refused to surrender, with Shamar Joseph's late fireworks pushing the total past 300 to set a solid foundation.
Seales, you beauty - Jayden Seales walks off with the ball in hand for his FIVE-FER and this is his fourth one in Test cricket. Everyone in the stadium are up on their feet to applaud this masterpiece. West Indies won the first Test match by 90 runs and have the lead in this two-match series. Kudos to Babar Azam, who stayed unbeaten to give Pakistan the only glimpse of hope to chase the remaining target, but the middle order needed to do better to support their skipper.
OUT! LBW! A five-wicket haul for Jayden Seales. Hard length, angling in, on middle and leg. Mohammad Abbas is squared up as he looks to block it. Misses it completely as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Mohammad Abbas refers straightaway. Nothing on Ultra Edge, and Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the leg pole. We have to go with the umpire's call. West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs and take a 1-0 lead in this two-match series.
Back of a length, on off, Mohammad Abbas punches it to backward point.
Jayden Seales to share the attack.
Runs Scored 6 Runs
Score after 40 overs : 120/9
B Azam58 (107)
M Abbas23 (31)
J Warrican2-1-6-0
FOUR! Finishes the over with a boundary! Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam moves forward and chips it over mid on for a boundary.
A bit quicker, outside off, Babar Azam cuts it to point.
Tossed up, on off, Mohammad Abbas drags it through square leg for a single.
Fullish, on the stumps, Mohammad Abbas blocks it to short cover.
Tossed up, on off, Babar Azam moves forward and digs it to mid off for a single.
Oh, an appeal straightaway! Flatter, on leg, Babar Azam looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Jomel Warrican has a chat with Roston Chase and they send it upstairs to have a check. Ball Tracking shows that the ball was missing the leg pole. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT. Babar Azam survives.
Welcome back for the final session of Day 4. Pakistan continues to fight as Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas resume their innings. They need 97 more runs to win this game. West Indies will continue their hunt for the final wicket. Jomel Warrican will start with the ball. Let's go...
... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...
One wicket or 97 runs? As the players head in for Tea, the drama in Tarouba is off the charts. West Indies are hovering just one single wicket away from a thrilling Test victory, while Pakistan still require 97 runs with their final pair fighting at the crease. Can Babar Azam pull off a miraculous comeback with Abbas, or will the Windies finally seal the deal? Stay tuned for a blockbuster final session!
Abbas joins the defiance - Enter Mohammad Abbas at number 11, who decided he wasn't going down quietly. Abbas played a few cracking, fearless shots to score a handy 22, offering priceless support to his skipper. With a quick finish in sight, the umpires extended the session before Tea, but West Indies failed to deliver the knockout punch as the last-wicket pair stubbornly held their ground.
The middle-order mayhem - The post-lunch session started with absolute mayhem as Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach ripped through Pakistan’s middle order, leaving them stranded at 53/6. Even a brave effort from Shan Masood, who walked out with a fractured finger, couldn't stop the slide as Pakistan tumbled to 71/9. Yet through all the chaos, captain Babar Azam stood firm, displaying pure class to notch up a gritty half-century with unshakeable confidence.
Runs Scored 2 Runs
Score after 39 overs : 114/9
B Azam53 (103)
M Abbas22 (29)
J Seales14-6-20-4
Pitches it up, does Seales, on off and middle. Babar Azam drives it to the left of the mid of fielder. There's a bit of misfield, and the batter gets a single. That will be Tea on Day 4!
On a nagging length, on middle, Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket.
Fullish, around off, Babar Azam drives it to mid off.
Full, outside off, Babar Azam shoulder arms at it.
Much fuller, on middle, shaping in. Mohammad Abbas flicks it to the right of the square leg fielder. He dives but doesn't give the full commitment. Jomel Warrican runs to his left from deep backward square leg. Babar Azam takes the single and denies the double. Jayden Seales doesn't like the commitment from the square leg fielder.