Port of Spain – Another West Indies batting collapse has left them fighting to avoid defeat against Pakistan in the historic first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
In a topsy turvy third day’s play, West Indies seized control initially thanks to a memorable, maiden five-wicket haul from pacer Justin Greaves that saw the visitors crumble from their commanding overnight position of 199 for three to 282 all out in 80.1 overs.
Armed with a handy 29-run lead, the Windies’ batters failed to navigate the probing line of Pakistan’s pacers, limping to 126 for seven at the close of play – a lead of only 155 runs heading into today’s fourth day.
It was a complete turnaround following the earlier heroics of Greaves, who created history with a sensational spell that saw him become the first player to bowl five consecutive wicket maidens in a Test match.
Pakistan looked to be cruising when Shan Masood, who resumed the day on 88, and Salman Agha were at the crease during a 47-run partnership that carried them to 244 for three.
Summarised scores:
West Indies 311 & 126-7 in 43 overs (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 35, Shamar Joseph 22 not out, Justin Greaves 20, Shai Hope 10; Mohammad Abbas 3-14, Khurram Shahzad 2-36). Pakistan 282 in 80.1 overs (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63, Babar Azam 23, Salman Agha 20, Khurram Shahzad 19, Mohammad Rizwan 12; Justin Greaves 5-27, Kemar Roach 2-53, Shamar Joseph 2-58). West Indies lead by 155 runs.
BOTH Teams, you NEVER know what to expect.