Fawad ton gives Pakistan edge in second Test

By Muhammad JuniadPublished On 06 Jan 2023

Fawad Alam starred as Pakistan were in commanding position of the second Test on day three against West Indies.

At stumps, the Hosts lost their three wickets still trailing by 263 runs in a rain-hit day at Sabina Park.

Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets in the day for the Men-in-Green while Faheem Ashraf also made it to the wickets column.

Nkrumah Bonner (18) and Alzarri Joseph (0) were out in the middle for the Windies when umpires removed bails to call the day.

Earlier, play started for a second time on Sunday afternoon after the entire second day’s play was lost on Saturday to rain and a sodden outfield, there was a further 90-minute delay on Sunday as concerns remained about a damp area in line with the bowlers’ run-ups at the southern end of the pitch.

When play eventually started, only eight balls were bowled.

West Indies bowler Jason Holder, operating from that troublesome southern end, struggled through the first two deliveries of his over before getting the support of his captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, over his concern about the conditions.

The action was suspended following lengthy deliberations involving the on-field umpires, both captains, coaches and the match referee.

Play resumed at 1pm local time after the two teams had taken lunch. Pakistan resumed their first innings at 212 for four.

Alam, who was retired hurt on 76 on day one, walked out to bat after Faheem Ashraf (26) lost his wicket to Jayden Seales.

The 35-year-old continued his fine form with the bat to complete his fifth Test century. He remained unbeaten on 124 when Babar Azam declared the innings with 302 runs on the scoreboard and a wicket in hand.

Mohammad Rizwan scored 31 for the visitors, while Shaheen Shah Afridi played a good hand of 18 runs.

Seales and Kemar Roach claimed three wickets each for the home side.

Teams

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Kieran Powell, Nkrumah Bonner, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper), Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph.

Pakistan: Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (captain), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi.