THE WEST INDIES are staring defeat in the face against Pakistan in the second Digicel cricket Test at Warner Park here today.
Set an unlikely 427 for Test cricket’s biggest run-chase, the Windies were wobbling on 130 for five at the close of the fourth and penultimate day, losing debutant opener Kraigg Brathwaite (0), Lendl Simmons (24), Ramnaresh Sarwan (0), Marlon Samuels (6) and Darren Bravo just before stumps for a composed even three-hour 50. Bravo half-century contained two fours and two sixes off 144 balls.
But it could have been worse as vice-captain Brendan Nash, who is not out 30, alongside wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh on seven, was mis-stumped by shoddy wicketkeeper Mohammed Salman off Mohammed Hafeez.
It means the West Indies, who have been undermined by the left-arm spin of Abdur Rehman with three for 26 in 14 overs, still need to score another 297 runs while Pakistan only have the last five West Indian wickets to take.
Pakistan, who had been propelled to their pole position by opener Taufeeq Umar’s fifth Test century and captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s third, declared their second innings on 377 for six, 40 minutes after lunch.
The pair shared a fourth-wicket stand of 129 as Taufeeq hit 13 fours in his knock of 135 which spanned 421 minutes and 314 balls.
Misbah-ul-Haq was more enterprising as he struck ten fours and two sixes in making 102 not out off 141 balls in 231 minutes after starting the day on just 13.
A victory by Pakistan would level the series 1-1 after the West Indies won the first Test in Guyana by 40 runs.
