Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood hit half-centuries as Pakistan trail by just 112 runs after a dominant second day
ST. JOHN’S: Pakistan took control of the first Test against the West Indies after reaching 199/3 at stumps on Day 2, trailing the hosts by 112 runs following impressive half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.
After bowling out the West Indies for 311, Pakistan recovered from an early setback to dominate the final two sessions and put themselves in a strong position heading into the third day of the match.
Imam and Masood lead Pakistan’s fightback
Pakistan’s innings began on a disappointing note when opener Azan Awais was dismissed for a duck by veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach in the third over, leaving the visitors at 1/1.
However, captain Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq responded with an attacking partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
The pair raced past the 50-run mark in fewer than nine overs, punishing loose deliveries with confident stroke play.
Masood reached a fluent half-century from just 46 balls, while Imam compiled a composed 63, laying the foundation for Pakistan’s strong reply.
The West Indies struck back late in the day when Shamar Joseph dismissed Imam before Jayden Seales removed Babar Azam, offering the hosts a glimmer of hope.
Masood and Agha Salman safely negotiated the remaining overs to ensure Pakistan ended the day on 199/3.
West Indies dismissed for 311
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the West Indies first innings shortly after lunch.
Resuming on a solid overnight position, the hosts relied on Shai Hope, who continued his determined innings before falling for 92, narrowly missing out on a century. Mohammad Ali claimed his wicket and later removed the final batter as the West Indies were bowled out for 311.
During the morning session, Pakistan’s pace attack maintained sustained pressure.
Khurram Shahzad dismissed overnight batter Kavem Hodge early, while Hope anchored the innings despite surviving a dropped chance. A late cameo from Shamar Joseph helped the West Indies push their total beyond the 300-run mark.
Pakistan seize the initiative
Despite the early loss of Azan Awais, Pakistan quickly regained control through the positive approach adopted by Masood and Imam.
Their partnership blunted the West Indies pace attack and steadily reduced the first-innings deficit, placing Pakistan in a commanding position as the match entered its crucial stages.
With seven wickets still in hand, the visitors are well placed to build a substantial first-innings lead on Day 3.
Imam praises bowling effort
Speaking after the close of play, Imam-ul-Haq said he had planned to remain patient during the early stages of his innings, knowing the new ball would provide assistance to the fast bowlers.
He also praised Pakistan’s bowling performance, saying the team had started the day with renewed energy and made excellent use of the new ball to claim key wickets and restrict the West Indies.
Bad light ends play early
Play was brought to an early conclusion after the umpires assessed the light conditions and ruled that it was too dark for play to continue safely.
Pakistan will resume on 199/3 on Day 3, requiring another 112 runs to erase the first-innings deficit and put themselves in a strong position to dictate the remainder of the second Test.