Published: May 14, 2017, 05:43 PM (IST)
Edited: May 14, 2017, 05:43 PM (IST)
Pakistan have a golden opportunity to seal the series on the final day of the third Test against West Indies at Roseau, Dominica. Pakistan are just 9 wickets away from what will be their first ever win in the Caribbean. West Indies lost opener Kieran Powell right at the end of Day Four and are 7 for 1, needing 297 runs more for a win. Kraig Brathwaite is still at the crease and will most likely be joined by Shimron Hetmyer when play begins on the final day. Yasir Shah has the only West Indies wicket to fall in their innings. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: PAK vs WI 2017, 3rd Test
Pakistan without a shadow of doubt will be looking to go for wickets right from the first ball. It will be interesting to see West Indies’ approach. Do they go for the win or do they just play for a draw. Regardless, they have to be positive on the final day and look to get runs at every possible opportunity. Yasir will be Pakistan’s main bowler on the final day. The ball is turning nicely and he will look to exploit it. It will not be surprising if Misbah-ul-Haq bowled part-time leg-spinner Azhar Ali. However, the fast bowlers too will have to play a vital role.
Mohamad Abbas bowled an excellent spell on Day Four to bowl West Indies out for just 247. West Indies began the day on 218 for 5, but could add only a further 29 runs to their tally, Abbas picked up his maiden five-wicket haul, finishing the innings with figures of 5 for 46. Roston Chase top-scored with 69. Pakistan in reply were in a spot of bother at 90 for 7. But Yasir and Mohammad Aamer then stitched together a 61-run stand for the eighth wicket, which took Pakistan’s lead over 250. Pakistan eventually declared on 174 for 8, setting West Indies 304 to win. Yasir top-scored with an unbeaten 38. But Pakistan’s second innings had emotional moments. It meant Younis Khan and Misbah batted for the last time for Pakistan. Younis made 35, while Misbah scored just two in their final innings.
Pakistan in their first innings had scored 376, largely due to Azhar Ali’s brilliant 127. Misbah, Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed too scored vital fifties. Chase was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, while skipper Jason Holder finished with 3 wickets.
On Day One, West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first. The second session of Day One was washed out due to rains, but the lost time was made up on Days Two and Three. West Indies retained the same team that won at Barbados. Pakistan, on the other hand, roped in Hasan Ali in place of Shadab Khan and also brought in Shan Masood instead of Ahmed Shehzad. The three-match series is level at 1-1.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 376 & 174 for 8 decl. (Younis Khan 35, Yasir Shah 38*; Shannon Gabriel 2 for 24, Alzarri Joseph 3 for 53) lead West Indies 247 & 7 for no loss (Kraigg Brathwaite 2*, Kieran Powell 4; Yasir Shah 1 for 2) by 296 runs.
