PAK VS WI Test: Pakistan take 43-run lead after bowling out rivals for 344

WEB DESK: Pakistan secured a crucial 43-run first-innings lead after bowling out West Indies for 344 on the third day of the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

West Indies resumed their innings after Pakistan posted 387 runs in the first innings, but the hosts’ bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals to restrict the visitors.

Alick Athanaze was the top scorer for West Indies with 55 runs, while Justin Greaves contributed 53 runs. Captain Roston Chase added 28 runs, whereas Tevin Imlach scored 18 runs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who claimed three wickets each. Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Awais Zafar took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 387 runs in their first innings after Abdullah Shafique played a brilliant knock of 123 runs. The opener’s century helped Pakistan establish a strong position in the second Test.

Babar Azam contributed 88 runs, while Azan Awais scored 55 runs. Sajid Khan added 30 runs, Mohammad Rizwan made 18, and Imam-ul-Haq scored 14 runs.

In reply, West Indies lost wickets regularly, but Chandrapaul Hemraj and Justin Greaves offered resistance. Greaves scored 73 runs off 150 balls, while captain Roston Chase made 70 runs off 126 deliveries to provide stability to the innings.

Chandrapaul Hemraj contributed 16 runs, while Brandon King scored 45 runs before being dismissed. However, Pakistan’s bowlers kept pressure on the visitors and wrapped up their innings at 344.

Pakistan now hold a 43-run advantage as the match heads into the next phase, with the second Test finely balanced.