Pakistan moved a step closer to winning the first Test against the West Indies after an outstanding bowling display on Day 3 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Led by Mohammad Abbas, Pakistan reduced the hosts to 126/7 in their second innings, leaving West Indies with a lead of just 155 runs heading into the fourth day.
The visitors entered the second innings with confidence despite conceding a 29 run first innings deficit. Abbas wasted no time making an impact, dismissing Brandon King and Kavem Hodge in the same over to put West Indies under immediate pressure. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings, making scoring difficult for the home side.
West Indies briefly recovered through Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo, but the partnership was short lived. Mohammad Ali struck twice to remove Jangoo and Shai Hope, leaving the hosts struggling early in their innings. Chanderpaul showed patience with a determined 35 runs before Aamir Jamal ended his resistance.
Pakistan continued to dominate as Abbas claimed another crucial wicket by dismissing Justin Greaves, while Khurram Shahzad removed captain Roston Chase to leave West Indies reeling at 93/7. The lower order pair of Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach then frustrated Pakistan with an unbeaten partnership of 33 runs, helping the hosts finish the day without further damage.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 282 after Shan Masood produced a superb 109 run innings, registering his seventh Test century. Masood’s composed knock kept Pakistan in contention after West Indies had posted 311 in their first innings. However, Justin Greaves turned the game with an impressive five wicket haul, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/27, his maiden five wicket performance in Test cricket.
With only three wickets remaining and Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack in control, the visitors are now firm favourites to seal victory on Day 4. West Indies will rely on their lower order to extend the lead, while Pakistan will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and chase a manageable target.
