5 talking points of Pakistan-West Indies first Test

The second-ever day-night match had a lot of ups and downs

Left-hand batsman Darren Bravo had nearly spoiled Pakistan’s party in the first of the three-match Test series but the volatility of West Indies’ batting line-up helped the hosts bag a 1-0 lead with a 56-run victory at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The match saw a lot of ups and downs through the course of five days and here are five talking points that need to be thrown light upon.

1. Azhar Ali’s perseverance

Pakistan ODI captain scored the first-ever ton in a day-night Test on Friday, he then walked in on Saturday to convert it into a double and later a triple century to put on display the class he has as a willow wielder in the five-day format.

That hug!

He became the fourth Pakistani to score a triple ton in a Test and has further strengthened his chances of leading the five-day side which will need a new captain once Misbahul Haq decides to hang his boots.

2. Yasir’s form

No one would have imagined that a leg-spinner would come into the Pakistan Test side and make his mark as the go-to bowler in just seventeen Tests.

Right-arm leggie Yasir Shah’s bowling prowess once again brought him into the limelight as he became the fastest Asian and second-fastest bowler over all to claim 100 Test scalps after he bagged a five-for in the first innings against West Indies.

His game-changing catch of Bravo in the second innings also helped him boast his physical skill which is considered extremely necessary in every from of cricket nowadays.

That catch by Yasir!

If the 30-year-old continues to bowl with the same fire, he will surely play an important role for Pakistan in the upcoming Tests against West Indies and later in the two-Test series against New Zealand and also during the tour of Australia in December.

3. Pakistan's rush, Bishu’s magic

Pakistan made a rare mistake, which could have proved to be a blunder if West Indies would have won the match, of coming out and losing quick wickets to the visitors in their second innings.

Absolute thriller!! Who says Test match is loosing its charm. Pak & WI have entertained us all. Well done Team Pak, good fight by @DJBravo47

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) October 17, 2016

Pakistan, who only lost three wickets in the first innings and scored 579 runs, were all out for 123 in the second with only four players entering double figures courtesy Devendra Bishu’s eight wickets in just 13.5 overs.

Pulled on!

Loose shots in an attempt to score quickly were the reason that Pakistan fell well short of their plan to score quick-fire 200 before allowing West Indies to walk in and chase a target on a turning pitch.

4. Bravo’s stand

Bravo, in the second innings, was a force to be reckoned as he scored an important ton to liven up the hopes of an unexpected Windies win; however, Pakistan’s persistence helped them down the visitors by 56 runs.

Bravo, top-scorer for Windies in both innings, with 87 off 258 balls and 116 off 249 balls was able to keep Pakistan on their feet in a Test which was tailored in hosts’ favour.

Pak was impressive to hold firm & win a tight game. A rude reminder to never underestimate your opponent! Heart goes out to WI. Well played.

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) October 18, 2016

He has evolved a danger-man personality with his impeccable batting and Pakistan will be looking back at the first Test to prepare a plan for the left-hand batsman in the upcoming Tests.

5. Younus in for?

Veteran batsman Younus Khan was included in the squad for the remaining two Tests and the all-important question for the team management now will be to choose a player to sit out for the right-hand batsman.

This brings right-hand batsman Babar Azam, right-arm pacer Sohail Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz under the knife. Abu Dhabi has been known to act dead for pacers, thus Sohail can be asked to sit out for Younus. Pakistan will then play four main bowlers and Azhar can always come in to deliver his part-time leg-spin.

Just landed in Dubai, what fantastic end to this Test! Well played West Indies, great work team Pakistan! Proud of you.🇵🇰

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 17, 2016

However, the favourable option will be to replace Younus with Babar and if Misbah thinks he needs another spinner in the line-up for Abu Dhabi, he could replace Sohail with the left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar.

We’ll have to wait for October 21 to see what changes Pakistan team management makes to accommodate Younus in this line-up when both team take on each other in the second Test at Abu Dhabi. The third Test will take place from October 30 in Sharjah.