Pakistan edge closer to series draw in Trinidad Test
Pakistan’s spinners put their team on course for a series-levelling victory as the West Indies stumbled to 103 for six — a lead of just 60 runs — on an eventful third day of the second and final Test in Trinidad on Tuesday. Abdullah Shafiqu
Pakistan moved to the brink of a series-levelling win against West Indies after their spinners tightened control on the third day of the second Test in Trinidad, leaving the hosts struggling at 103 for six at stumps with a lead of only 60 runs, according to Dawn Sport.
Abdullah Shafique gave Pakistan a major batting platform with an unbeaten 160, helping the visitors recover to a first-innings total of 387 after starting the day on 266 for two. His innings ensured Pakistan did not waste the position they had built overnight, even as West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican kept the pressure on with a six-wicket haul.
The day swung repeatedly on a pitch that was beginning to offer sharp turn and uneven bounce. Warrican finished with six for 112 and took three wickets in four balls to end the Pakistan innings shortly before tea. But Pakistan still managed to stretch their total close to the West Indies first-innings score of 344 before their lower order folded.
Pakistan then seized control with the ball. Sajid Khan, who had already made an important contribution earlier in the day, struck four times in the West Indies second innings. Ali Usman took two wickets, including the dismissal of captain Roston Chase, who was caught and bowled off the final ball of the day.
West Indies will resume with Justin Greaves unbeaten and carrying the main batting responsibility. There is also uncertainty over whether regular opener Brandon King will be available to bat.
The match has now reached a decisive stage, with Pakistan needing only a strong final push to complete a victory that would level the series. The situation leaves West Indies with work to do on a surface that is clearly deteriorating and increasingly favourable to spin.
For Pakistan, the day was shaped by Shafique's composed hundred, a late-order wobble against Warrican, and then a disciplined bowling effort that put the team in sight of the result they need. Dawn Sport reported that the tourists finished the day in control after a contest marked by constant momentum shifts.
Pakistan make the stronger move on a difficult pitch
The conditions in Trinidad have played a major role in the Test, with the surface breaking up and turning sharply as the match has progressed. Pakistan's bowlers used that assistance better on day three, while their batting was anchored by Shafique's marathon effort.
West Indies face a tense fourth morning
With six wickets down and a small lead, West Indies enter the next day under pressure. Greaves remains the key batter, while any limitation on King's availability could make the chase for a competitive total even harder.
Pakistan will now look to finish the job and secure a result that restores parity in the two-match series. If their spinners continue to exploit the conditions, the visitors have put themselves in a strong position to close out the Test.
FAQ
Q: What is the current situation in the Trinidad Test?
A: Pakistan have left West Indies on 103 for six, with the hosts leading by 60 runs.
Q: Who stood out for Pakistan with the bat?
A: Abdullah Shafique scored an unbeaten 160.
Q: Which bowlers made the biggest impact for Pakistan?
A: Sajid Khan took four wickets and Ali Usman claimed two.
Q: Who led the West Indies bowling effort?
A: Jomel Warrican took six wickets for 112 runs.
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