Pakistan recovered well after three early blows on Day 1 of the second Test match, at Sabina Park, thanks to Babar Azam and Fawad Alam. Bad light resulted in an early end of play with Pakistan on 212/4 and Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf in the middle.
Both teams made one change from their first Test XIs. West Indies included Jomel Warrican, while Pakistan brought in left-arm spinner Nauman Ali in place of Yasir Shah.
Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and decided to field, a decision that immediately provided great result as Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales ran through the Pakistan top order. Within four overs Pakistan lost Imran Butt, Abid Ali and Azhar Ali with the score on 2.
Babar and Fawad then led the recovery. They were watchful at the start, and went to lunch at 62/3 in 25 overs. They took control in the second session, when they added 83 without losing a wicket.
Both reached their respective fifties before Fawad was retired with cramps on 76. Roach got his third wicket of the day, scalping Babar for 75. Rizwan and Faheem survived the rest of the day and added 44 more runs.
The West Indies bowlers did lose a chance due to the Babar-Fawad resistance after initial blows, but still have time to make a strong return on Day 2 and get the rest of the wickets early.
While Roach and Seales were on the money, a better show will be expected of Joseph, who failed to demonstrate control. If they can break this partnership and get Fawad, who will return to bat, they can restrict Pakistan to under 300. Then, the onus will be on the batters.
Pakistan will be happy with their situation after being 2/3, but they will aim for more runs in their first innings. Rizwan and Faheem did not seem in trouble in their brief partnership, and will look to see off first few overs of the day.
Betway Fantasy Key Players:
– Fawad added 157 with Babar 157 before retiring. He will return to the crease.
– Having picked up three out of four Pakistan wickets, Roach has his eye on more.
– Young Seales bowled well without luck, but he is unlikely to go unfortunate on two days in a row.