Dharuba: Pakistan’s bowlers retained the upper hand as West Indies reached 268-8 in 84 overs at the end of the third day of practice at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Monday, trailing by 187 after Pakistan’s first innings declaration.
After Pakistan declared their innings overnight, the hosts began their reply but struggled against a disciplined bowling attack that made regular strides throughout the day.
Opener Tagoreine Chanderpaul scored a patient 51 off 155 balls with 5 fours and a six before being dismissed by off-spinner Ali Usman.
Cavem Hodge produced a brilliant innings for the hosts but struggled to get a century. The left-hander scored 92 runs off 130 balls, including 14 fours and a six, as Ali Usman claimed his second wicket.
Terence Hinds scored 24 off 43 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes before being dismissed by Amir Jamal.
At the end of the match, Jit Cooley remained unbeaten on 44 off 95 balls with 5 fours, while captain Jomel Warrican remained unbeaten on 24 off 67 balls with 4 fours.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Ali took 3 wickets and dismissed Mbeki Joseph, Joshua da Silva and Joshua James. Ali Usman and Amir Jamal took 2 wickets each, with Mohammad Abbas getting a scalp.
Earlier, Pakistan declared their first innings at 455-4 in 136.5 overs after some excellent batting from the top order ahead of the two-match Test series against the West Indies.
Azan Awais, who remained unbeaten overnight, scored his first century of the tournament after sharing a century partnership with Babar Azam. The opener made a patient 100 in an innings with 9 fours and a six off 241 balls.
Babar then took over the reins alongside youngster Abdullah Fazal. The pair added another valuable stand as the returning Test captain progressed from a half-century to a fluent century before retiring with 100 off 151 balls with 12 fours and a six.
Fazal also impressed in his innings, bringing up his half-century before being dismissed for 50 off 97 balls, including 6 fours.
Salman Ali Agha then combined with Mohammad Rizwan to take Pakistan past 400 with ease. However, Agha fell just short of his half-century when Ryan Bandoo was dismissed for 46 after hitting three fours and two sixes in 60 balls.
Rizwan was joined by Amir Jamal and the pair took Pakistan to over 450 runs. Jamal took the fourth wicket after scoring 22 runs off 38 balls including 3 fours.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 44 off 103 balls, hitting a six, as Pakistan declared their innings and produced an authoritative batting performance.
On the opening day, Pakistan lost Imam-ul-Haq early for 39 runs. The left-handed opener scored 10 runs off 36 balls, including a boundary, before hitting Ojay Shields.
Shaun then joined Masood Awais and the pair took control in a 108-run partnership. Both players hit half-centuries as Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark.
Pakistan were 147-2 in 45.4 overs when Warrickan dismissed Masood after scoring 70 runs in an innings that included 10 boundaries off 100 balls.
Babar then came to the crease and, along with Awais, guided Pakistan past 150 before stumps on the opening day, setting the stage for the visitors’ first innings total.