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TAROUBA: Shan Masood struck an unbeaten 88 and shared a 155-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq as Pakistan reached 199 for three at the close of the second day of the first Test against West Indies at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.
Pakistan, who dismissed the hosts for 311 earlier in the day, trail by 112 runs with seven first-innings wickets in hand. Salman Ali Agha was unbeaten on naught alongside Shan when bad light brought an early end to play.
Pakistan lost debutant opener Azan Awais for a nine-ball duck, bowled by Kemar Roach, with the total on one. Shan and Imam then produced a commanding response, adding 155 runs for the second wicket and ensuring Pakistan remained firmly in control of the day’s proceedings.
Left-handed batter Shan adopted a positive approach, reaching his half-century from 46 balls with nine fours. He later showed composure against the West Indies attack and finished the day with 11 boundaries from 137 balls.
Imam provided excellent support and completed his half-century from 81 balls. The left-hander made 63 from 102 balls, smashing seven fours, before he was caught at first slip off Shamar Joseph.
Captain Babar Azam contributed 23 from 38 balls and added 41 runs with Shan before edging Jayden Seales to wicket-keeper Shai Hope shortly before the close.
Earlier, Pakistan’s fast bowlers claimed the remaining seven West Indies wickets for 117 runs after the hosts resumed the second day’s play on 194 for three.
Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Ali led the attack with four wickets for 50 runs, including the important dismissal of Shai Hope, who fell eight runs short of a century. Mohammad Abbas returned figures of three for 63, while Khurram Shahzad took two wickets.
Kavem Hodge, who returned unbeaten on the overnight score of 83 added only one run before Khurram had him caught by Salman. Hope top-scored with 92 from 182 balls, while Shamar Joseph’s 13-ball 23 helped West Indies cross the 300-run mark.
Ali removed Joseph and Hope after lunch before bowling Jayden Seales to bring the innings to a close at 311.
Scores in brief:
Day 2 0f 5
West Indies 311 all out, 98.5 overs (Shai Hope 92, Kavem Hodge 84; Mohammad Ali 4-50, Mohammad Abbas 3-63, Khurram Shahzad 2-66)
Pakistan 199-3, 48 overs (Shan Masood 88 not out, Imam-ul-Haq 63)
