Pacers Abbas, Khurram put Pakistan on top against West Indies

West Indies ended the day on 126/7 in their second innings, holding a lead of 155 runs. Shamar Joseph remained unbeaten on 22, while Kemar Roach was unbeaten on 5 at stumps.

After taking a narrow first-innings lead of 29 runs by bowling Pakistan out for 282, the hosts failed to build on their advantage against Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack. Mohammad Abbas gave Pakistan the perfect start by dismissing Brandon King for 5 and Kavem Hodge for a duck in the fourth over, putting West Indies under immediate pressure.

The hosts tried to recover through Amir Jangoo and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, but their 21-run partnership ended when Mohammad Ali dismissed Jangoo. Mohammad Ali struck again three overs later, removing experienced wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope for 10 as West Indies slipped to 43/4.

Justin Greaves and Chanderpaul then steadied the innings with a 37-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Aamir Jamal dismissed Chanderpaul for 35. Pakistan continued to dominate as Abbas removed Greaves for 20, while Khurram Shahzad dismissed captain Roston Chase for 8, leaving the hosts struggling at 93/7.

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Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach prevented further damage by putting together an unbeaten 33-run partnership for the eighth wicket, taking West Indies to 126/7 at the close of play. The two tailenders will resume their innings on the fourth day as West Indies look to extend their lead and set Pakistan a challenging target.

Mohammad Abbas has been Pakistan’s standout bowler, returning figures of 3/14 in 13 overs. Khurram Shahzad has taken 2 wickets, while Mohammad Ali and Aamir Jamal have claimed 1 wicket each.