Pakistan takes control on Day 3 of the 2nd cricket test against West Indies

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — West Indies led Pakistan by 60 runs with only four second-innings wickets in hand Tuesday after a dramatic third day of the second cricket test played out on a turning pitch.

First, Abdullah Shafique ‘s unbeaten 160 guided Pakistan past West Indies’ first innings of 344, then Jomel Warrican took 6-112 to bowl out Pakistan for 387 and limit the lead to 43 runs.

An opening partnership of 40 between Tagenarine Chanderpaul (17) and Kavem Hodge (34) almost erased the lead before Sajid Khan took 4-32 and Ali Usman 2-29 to reduce West Indies to 103-6 at stumps, putting Pakistan in control.

Sajid first took the wickets of Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo (13) before a stubborn partnership between Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase took West Indies to 99-3, giving it hope of reaching stumps with wickets in hand.

That all changed in the last five overs when Sajid trapped Hope lbw for 15 and Jayden Seales in the same manner for a two-ball duck. Finally, Chase (17) fell to the last ball of the day, losing concentration and providing Usman with a simple return catch.

Pakistan now has the opportunity to wrap up the match Wednesday, to achieve its first test win away from home since 2023.

Day 3 also saw Pakistan captain Babar Azam denied his first test century in four years when he was run out for 88 to end a 183-run partnership with Shafique.

Pakistan was still 63 runs behind when Babar was left short of his ground by Brandon King’s direct hit from cover.

The Pakistan batters had been pressured by tight bowling and Babar thought he saw the chance of a relieving single when he pushed the ball into the off side. Shafique first supported the call for a run, then sent Babar back as King swooped on the ball.

Babar tried to turn, retreat and dive for the crease but was beaten by King’s flat throw that hit the stumps at the striker’s end. The Pakistan captain lay prostrate for some time then rose slowly and left the ground with every sign of dejection.

His last test century came in December 2022 against New Zealand at Karachi and his 88 Tuesday was his highest score in 35 test innings since that match.

To add to the drama, King picked up a lower back injury and had to be taken off after he fell awkwardly after his throw to run out Babar. It is not yet clear whether he will bat on Day 4.

Earlier, left-arm spinner Warrican was splendid with both the old ball and the second new ball, bowling Awais Zafar for 1.

Shamar Joseph then trapped Salman Ali Agha lbw and Warrican, with the new ball, claimed his third wicket of the innings when he bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 18. Warrican then wrapped up the Pakistan tail with three wickets in four balls.

West Indies leads the two-match series after a 90-run victory in the first test.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket