Published: Oct 17, 2016, 03:02 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 17, 2016, 03:08 PM (IST)
Some magical spells or innings just change the game out of nowhere for a team who look done and dusted. On Day Four of the first Test between Pakistan and West Indies, Devendra Bishoo‘s spin rattled Pakistan to 123 in the second innings with the hosts’ having a 222-runs lead from the first outing. Day Three started with West Indies at 315 for 6, still 64 runs shy to avoid follow-on but were bundled out for 357. Pakistan did not enforce the follow-on but came out to bat with an aggressive intent to take on West Indies’ bowlers and put up a comprehensive score on board. However, that was not the case as Bishoo stuck to good lines and tossed the ball to incite Pakistan’s top-order for glory shots and picked up eight wickets to change the complexion of the match. This has completely opened new equations in the match with all three results possible. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st Test at Dubai
Bishoo dismissed Pakistan’s established batsmen which included Sami Aslam, wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz whereas he clean bowled Test skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Aamer. Bishoo struck at regular intervals and did not allow the top and lower-middle order stand any chance with his spin. Babar, Misbah, Sarfraz and Aslam were the only ones to have got some kind of starts but failed to create an impact in the middle. ALSO READ: Pakistan vs West Indies day-night Test: Devendra Bishoo enters history books
Pakistan had the edge till they came out to bat in the second innings but their over aggression with the willow coupled with Bishoo’s discipline and brave bowling hurt them badly. The match is wide open with Bishoo’s menacing spell as West Indies go into the final day’s play with 251 runs required and eight wickets intact. If West Indies go on to win this Test it will be a historic feat and they will have to thank the 30-year-old.
