2nd Test: West Indies Gain Advantage as Pakistan Loses Four Wickets in 254 Run Chase

Synopsis

Pakistan faces a challenging situation in the second Test against the West Indies, having lost four wickets while chasing 254 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium. With an uphill task ahead, the team needs to regroup for the final push to clinch the series.

Key Takeaways

Pakistan lost four wickets chasing 254 runs.
Noman Ali took 4 for 80 after a stellar 6 for 41 in the first innings.
Kraigg Brathwaite led the West Indies with 52 runs.
Babar Azam scored 31 runs but fell at a crucial moment.
Pakistan needs 178 more runs to win on Day 3.

Multan, Jan 26 (NationPress) Pakistan finds itself in a challenging position to secure victory in the second Test and claim the series 2-0 against the West Indies, having lost four wickets by the end of the second day as they chase 254 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After managing a narrow nine-run lead in the first innings, the West Indies showcased a significantly better performance in their second innings, scoring 244 all out in just two sessions. Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali followed up his impressive six for 41 in the first innings with four for 80 in the second, resulting in a total of 14 wickets falling on the day for 320 runs.

Noman’s victims included West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was the top scorer with 52 runs off 74 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.

After Noman dismantled the top order, off-spinner Sajid Khan wrapped up the lower middle order by taking 4 for 76 after claiming 2 for 64 in the first innings. Sajid’s second-innings wickets included Amir Jangoo (30), Kevin Sinclair (28), Gudakesh Motie (18), and Jomel Warrican (18).

Beginning their run-chase after tea, Pakistan rebounded from a dismal five for two in just 16 balls to conclude the day at 76 for 4 in 24 overs.

As Pakistan resumes their chase on Monday morning, requiring 178 runs, all eyes will be on vice-captain Saud Shakeel, who was at the crease with 13 runs after scoring 32 in the first innings. With him is nightwatchman Kashif Ali (0), while Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha are yet to bat.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood was the first to go, adjudged leg-before by off-spinner Kevin Sinclair after missing a straight delivery. His opening partner Mohammad Hurraira quickly followed suit, getting trapped in front of the stumps while attempting a reverse sweep against left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. Kamran Ghulam had a tough outing, lasting just 29 balls before he was caught at cover trying an ambitious shot off Jomel Warrican.

Pakistan's situation worsened just before stumps when Babar Azam was caught at forward short-leg off Sinclair, leaving the team at 71 for 4. Babar, who seemed solid with his 31 runs off 67 balls, couldn't manage the spin and bounce from Sinclair, putting Pakistan in a precarious position.

Brief scores: West Indies 163/10 and 244/10 in 66.1 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 52, Tevin Imlach 35; Sajid Khan 4-76, Noman Ali 4-80) lead Pakistan 154/10 and 76/4 in 24 overs (Babar Azam 31; Kevin Sinclair 2-41) by 178 runs.