After a rain-curtailed Day 3, the second Test match between West Indies and Pakistan at Sabina Park Cricket Ground is interestingly poised. Pakistan have an edge, thanks to the three late wickets, but West Indies will look to make a strong comeback on Day 4.
Although the match started after a slight delay, only eight balls were possible before lunch due to a wet patch near the bowling crease. When play finally resumed, the scoring rate was very low to start with.
Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf added just 6 runs in the first 10 overs before both were dismissed in quick succession. Fawad Alam took control at this stage. He scored 124 not out (his fifth Test hundred), and built crucial partnerships, allowing Pakistan to declare on 302/9.
The West Indies batters had to survive a tricky period against a strong Pakistan bowling attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed both openers, and West Indies slumped to 9/2. Nkrumah Bonner and Roston Chase managed some recovery, but Faheem dismissed Chase later in the day as West Indies ended the day on 39/3.
Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, and Jason Holder will look to bat for long to reduce the lead. However, their immediate aim would be to avoid the follow-on margin.
The Pakistan bowlers, on the other hand, will want to run through as quickly as possible. While happy with the three wickets, they know that the job is only half done. They will keep the pressure on to avoid any late-order resistance.
If they can manage a substantial lead, it will be on their batters to get some quick runs in their second innings and give their bowlers 60-70 overs on the Day 5. However, the threat of rain and wet outfield will play on their mind.
Betway fantasy tips
– Go for Shaheen, who has the most wickets among Pakistan bowlers (10) in the series, and his senior partner Mohammad Abbas.
– Back Holder. He often does well under pressure. Even if he does not get runs, he may bowl later in the day.