TAROUBA: Pakistan staged an impressive recovery on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies, with Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq sharing a vital 155-run partnership to help the tourists reach 199-3 at stumps on Sunday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Despite trailing by 112 runs, Pakistan ended the day in a strong position after recovering from an early setback.
Pakistan Recover After Early Blow
Pakistan’s innings began on a disappointing note when opener Azan Awais was dismissed for a nine-ball duck, bowled by veteran pacer Kemar Roach with the score on zero.
Following the early wicket, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings with a composed and fluent partnership for the second wicket.
The pair rotated the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries, gradually shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
Shan Masood Nears Century
Captain Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 88 runs off 137 balls, striking 11 boundaries during a patient yet positive innings.
The left-hander brought up his 15th Test half-century and will resume batting on the third day alongside Salman Ali Agha, who is yet to open his account.
Imam-ul-Haq Scores Fighting Fifty
Imam-ul-Haq played an equally important role, scoring a determined 63 off 102 deliveries, including seven fours.
The opener completed his 11th Test half-century before being dismissed by Shamar Joseph, ending the valuable 155-run stand with Pakistan at 156-2.
Babar Azam Makes Useful Contribution
Returning captain Babar Azam then joined Shan Masood and looked comfortable at the crease.
The pair added 41 runs before Jayden Seales dismissed Babar for 23 off 38 balls, an innings featuring three boundaries, leaving Pakistan on 197-3.
Pakistan closed the day on 199-3, with Shan Masood unbeaten and well placed to guide his side toward a first-innings lead.
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West Indies Posted 311 in First Innings
Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 in 98.5 overs after several batters made useful contributions.
Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope top-scored with 92 off 182 balls, while Kevlon Hodge added a resilient 84 off 183 deliveries.
Lower-order batter Shamar Joseph chipped in with a quick 23 off 13 balls, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo scored 21 runs each.
Justin Greaves contributed 15, Brandon King made 12, and captain Roston Chase added 10.
Mohammad Ali Stars With the Ball
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led brilliantly by Mohammad Ali, who claimed 4 wickets for 50 runs in 21.5 overs.
Mohammad Abbas supported him with figures of 3-65, while Khurram Shahzad picked up two wickets and Aamer Jamal claimed one.
Pakistan will resume batting on day three, looking to erase the 112-run deficit and build a commanding first-innings advantage.
