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 the second day of the first Test against the West Indies, putting the tourists in a strong position despite trailing by 112 runs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.
The visitors will resume their first innings on the third day, losing by 112 runs, with Shan unbeaten on 88 off 137 deliveries, including 11 fours. Salman Ali Agha was at the other end with nine balls.
Pakistan’s response got off to the worst possible start when opener Azan Awais was bowled cleanly by Kemar Roach for a nine-ball duck. Roach played a magnificent delivery that crashed into the stumps to give the hosts an early lead.
The visitors responded in impressive fashion as Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood stitched a fluent 155-run partnership for the second wicket.
Masood eased the pressure by finding the boundary regularly, while Imam provided solid support at the other end as both helped Pakistan regain control of the innings.
Left-handed Masood played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s fightback, thwarting the West Indies attack along with Imam while making his 15th Test half-century.
After the tea interval, Imam and Shan continued to pile on runs, extending their partnership beyond 100 as Imam reached his 11th Test half-century.
The pair continued to dominate the bowlers, taking Pakistan’s total and second wicket past the 150-run mark with a series of timely boundaries to put the West Indies under sustained pressure.
However, the 155-run stand was finally broken when Shamar Joseph dismissed Imam for a brave 63 off 102 deliveries, an innings of 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 first innings deficit.
The stand was finally ended by Jayden Seales, who dismissed Babar for 23 off 38 composed deliveries, including three fours, reducing Pakistan to 197-3 in 46 overs.
Earlier, after electing to bat first, West Indies were bowled out for 311 in 98.5 overs in their first innings, thanks to a fighting half-century from Kevlon Hodge and batsman Shai Hope.
However, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali dashed their hopes of achieving an imposing total with a fine four-wicket haul.
Hope top-scored for the hosts with a fluent 92 off 182 balls, hitting six fours and a six, while Hodge made a resilient 84 off 183 balls, including nine fours.
Shamar Joseph also entertained with a quickfire 23 off just 13 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo contributed 21 runs each, while Brandon King made 12 off 29 balls, including a four.
Justin Greaves contributed 15 off 31 deliveries, hitting three fours, while captain Roston Chase added 10 off 19 balls, including two fours.
Ali was the standout player 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-up under constant pressure.
