MULTAN: West Indies are closing in on a potential series-leveling victory against Pakistan in the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. On day three, the visitors put Pakistan in a precarious position at 76-4, needing 178 more runs to chase down the challenging 254-run target set by West Indies.
Kevin Sinclair spearheaded the West Indies’ spin attack, claiming the prized wickets of Shan Masood and captain Babar Azam, giving the tourists hope of securing their first Test victory in Pakistan since 1990.
West Indies Build Momentum with the Bat
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite laid a solid foundation for the West Indies in their second innings with a fluent 52, featuring four boundaries and two sixes. Despite a promising start, Pakistan’s spinners, led by Noman Ali, struck back, reducing the visitors to 145-6.
Kevin Sinclair (28) and Tevin Imlach (35) then put up a crucial 51-run stand for the seventh wicket to stabilize the innings. Kemar Roach, batting through a groin injury, contributed four runs in a vital 11-run last-wicket partnership with Jomel Warrican (18), pushing the total to 244.
Pakistan Struggles Under Pressure
Chasing 254, Pakistan faced early setbacks. Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira managed only two runs each before falling to the deceptive bowling of Sinclair and Jomel Warrican. Kamran Ghulam (19) looked promising but perished attempting a big shot.
Babar Azam (31) offered resistance but was undone by Sinclair’s sharp turn and bounce, caught at slip by Alick Athanaze. Saud Shakeel (13*) and Kashif Ali (1*) are the last recognized batters standing as Pakistan faces an uphill battle on a pitch increasingly favoring spinners.
With just six wickets remaining, the West Indies are in a commanding position to draw the series 1-1 and break a 33-year Test victory drought in Pakistan. The final two days promise intense action as the hosts fight to stay in the game.
