KINGSTON: The green shirts were hoping to level the series after Fawad Alam’s fifth century test and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s new ball power on day three of the second rain-hit test against the West Indies at Sabina Park on Sunday.
Fawad 124’s unbeaten run brought tourists to 302 for nine declared in their first innings before Shaheen quickly removed both first innings and Faheem Ashraf added another to have the home team at 39 for three in response to stumps.
Confined by a wicket in a thrilling first test final on the same ground a week earlier, Pakistan’s quest for a series-level victory was frustrated by rain and inefficient coverage of the pitch.
All of the second day was lost due to downpours and a soggy outfield while the game did not start properly on the third day until early afternoon as a wetland area at the southern end of the field, in line with the chasing players of bowling has been a source of concern for the West Indies.
Initial attempts to get the game started the morning after another 90-minute delay resulted in just eight deliveries before complaints from Jason Holder, supported by his bowling mates and captain Kraigg Brathwaite, were finally heard by the match officials. who undertook long deliberation before suspending the game.
When the game finally started in the heat of the afternoon, Pakistan, which bounced back from the night position of 212 for four, was almost completely dependent on Fawad to push him to the 300 point mark.
Two wickets for Jayden Seales and two out of two balls for Holder kept the tourists in check.
However, Fawad, who resumed his innings in the 76th after retiring from heat exhaustion and severe cramps on opening day, would not deny himself a fourth century trial in 12 innings.
It was an inning that reinforced the value of his return to the international stage after being ignored for 11 years after his debut with the senior colors of Pakistan in 2009.
– ‘Motivated by dad’ –
After getting back in the fold at the fall of Faheem’s wicket, and then seeing Mohammad Rizwan and Nauman Ali leave in quick succession, the 35-year-old left-handed remained focused and reached the beloved landmark with a Kyle Mayers two-pointer.
Despite the disappointment of contributing to Hasan Ali’s run, his unbeaten 124, which took over six hours in which he tackled 213 deliveries and stroked 17 fours, was a stellar effort.
“It was very challenging out there and what Babar (Azam) and I did on the first day was very important,” Fawad said at the end of the day reflecting on his and the team’s commitment.
“You always feel proud when you mark a century for your country, so I’m very happy right now. My dad has always been my motivation. He told me to keep trying and my time will come and now it is and I’m looking for to make the most of it. “
Kemar Roach and Seales led the West Indian bowling effort with three wickets each.
Shaheen then made the most of his opportunity with the new ball by removing Kieran Powell and Brathwaite in subsequent overs.
When Faheem launched Roston Chase, he brought in night watchman Alzarri Joseph who held out with Nkrumah Bonner to lead the fight for the West Indies until the fourth day.
The West Indies lead the series after winning the first test with a wicket at the same venue a week earlier.
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