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