Pakistan seize control despite Shai Hope’s resilient knock in opening Test against West Indies
Pakistan claimed four crucial wickets in the morning session, but Shai Hope’s unbeaten 89 and Shamar Joseph’s late cameo lifted the West Indies to 303-7 on day two in Tarouba.
Pakistan bowlers celebrate a breakthrough during the first Test against the West Indies in Tarouba.
TAROUBA: Pakistan Test bowlers regained control of the opening Test against the West Indies on Sunday after taking four wickets in a disciplined morning session at the Brian Lara Stadium.
Despite Pakistan’s strong comeback, Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 89, while Shamar Joseph struck a quick-fire 23 to guide the hosts to 303-7 at lunch on the second day.
Pakistan strike early
Pakistan resumed the day with immediate success after Khurram Shahzad dismissed overnight batter Kavem Hodge with the first delivery of the morning.
Khurram forced Hodge to edge a ball outside off stump, and Salman Ali Agha completed a sharp catch at second slip.
Hodge departed for 84 after facing 183 deliveries and hitting nine boundaries.
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Mohammad Ali and Abbas maintain pressure
Pakistan continued to build pressure as Mohammad Ali removed Justin Greaves for 15, with Salman taking another catch at second slip.
Soon after, Mohammad Abbas dismissed West Indies captain Roston Chase for 10. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan safely collected the outside edge behind the stumps.
Khurram then struck again by removing Kemar Roach for three, with Babar Azam completing the catch at slip.
Hope anchors the innings
While wickets fell around him, Shai Hope remained composed.
The experienced right-hander reached his seventh Test half-century before advancing to 89 not out from 176 balls. His innings included six fours and one six.
Hope’s patient knock kept the West Indies innings together after Pakistan’s early breakthroughs.
Joseph lifts West Indies past 300
With the hosts struggling at 274-7, Shamar Joseph counterattacked.
He smashed 23 not out from just 12 balls, striking four fours and one six.
His aggressive batting helped the West Indies cross the 300-run mark before lunch.
Pakistan gain upper hand
Pakistan collected four wickets while conceding 109 runs during the morning session.
The visitors now hold the advantage despite Hope’s determined resistance.
Earlier, rain disrupted play on the opening day. Hodge and Hope had shared an unbeaten 91-run partnership that rescued the West Indies after they slipped to 106-3.
Pakistan’s experienced seamer Mohammad Abbas continued to lead the bowling attack. He finished the session with figures of 3-63, while Khurram Shahzad claimed 2-66.
The tourists will now look to dismiss the remaining West Indies batters quickly and secure a first-innings advantage.
