After a dramatic day that saw Pakistan assume control of the second Test match at the Sabina Park Cricket Ground, West Indies are fighting to survive the last day to secure a 1-0 win in the series. They do have an outside chance of scoring the required 280 runs for a 2-0, win but that looks unlikely at this point.
Pakistan, on the other hand, would back their bowlers to be at their destructive best to provide them the nine wickets they need to level the series and keep themselves in a favourable position in the World Test championship.
On Day 4, Jermaine Blackwood (33) and Nkrumah Bonner (37) helped West Indies recover somewhat from from 45/4. However, Mohammad Abbas changed the situation with back-to-back wickets of Bonner and Kyle Mayers, followed by Blackwood’s dismissal off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the next over.
Late flourishes from Jason Holder (26) did not help much. West Indies were all out for 150 as Shaheen ended with his career-best 6-51.
Pakistan started their second innings in an attacking mode against a wayward West Indies attack. They declared on 176/6 in just 27.2 overs, setting West Indies 329.
West Indies had to bat for 18 overs in the evening. Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell batted sensibly for 13 overs before poor running between the wickets resulted in Powell getting run out for 23. They ended the day on 49/1.
It is not a massive target if all 98 overs are bowled, but West Indies may not go for the chase against this bowling attack. They may assume a cautious approach, especially in the first session. However, they need to be ensure to not get bogged down and reach a situation where they start losing wickets without putting too many runs on the board.
Brathwaite will be key. He is capable of holding one end up for hours. However, his teammates will need to raise the bar. If needed, they will be expected to go for runs towards the end.
Pakistan will be happy with the performance of Shaheen and Abbas in the first innings. Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf and Nauman Ali will be there to provide support. In case the West Indians show resistance and move towards the target, Pakistan can always fall back on a defensive plan.
Betway fantasy tips
– Pick Nkrumah Bonner. He batted sensibly in the first innings. Remember his maiden Test century earlier this year in a similar situation against Sri Lanka.
– Back both Shaheen and Abbas. With already 14 wickets from this series, Shaheen will be the biggest threat for West Indies, while Abbas’ precision may earn him wickets.