Third Test: Brathwaite’s heroics leave match on knife’s edge

Opener scores unbeaten 95 to take West Indies to 244-6 at stumps, 37 runs behind Pakistan

KARACHI: Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite frustrated Pakistan as West Indies are eyeing a first innings lead for the first time in this series as they continued their good work into the second day at Sharjah.

Brathwaite was unbeaten on 95 at stumps to guide the West Indies to 244-6 after they had lost quick early wickets. Pakistan were dismissed in their first innings for 281, adding 26 runs to their overnight score as fast-bowler Alzarri Joseph removed Yasir (12) and Amir (20) in the same over to claim the remaining two wickets.

The visitors were reduced to 68-4 at one stage but Brathwaite started the rescue mission and was well-supported by Roston Chase, who scored 50.

Amir, who claimed his first Test catch in sensational fashion when he ran backwards before completing a diving catch off Zulfiqar Babar’s bowling to dismiss Darren Bravo, said Pakistan want to claim a first innings lead despite being just 37 runs ahead of the visitors, who still have four wickets in hand.

“We are targeting a lead in the first innings and we can do that by claiming quick wickets in the first session [on day three],” the pacer told reporters. “If we take a lead and add 250-odd runs in the second innings, then we will be in a very good situation as the wicket is already started to help the spinners.”

Amir credited the fielding coaches for his phenomenal catch, having taken 20 Tests to claim his first victim — a record in Tests.

“We have been doing special drills for such catches under the supervision of the fielding coaches,” he revealed

Match heading towards exciting finale, says Qasim

Former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim said the West Indies have shown improvement and may give Misbah’s men a run for their money as the hosts looks for a record third straight whitewash in a single bilateral series.

“The first innings lead, whichever team secures it, will not matter much as there won’t be much of a lead there,” Qasim told The Express Tribune. “There are chances that Pakistan can bowl the West Indies out early. The second innings is going to be very exciting and the team which plays well then is going to win.”

Qasim feels the hosts are still favourites to win the game, despite West Indies’ resurgence. “Pakistan must avoid the mistakes they made in the first innings and give the West Indies a decent target. They have been doing well in the second innings and they look like the favourites at this stage; barring some outstanding performance from the opposition they should win.”

The 63-year-old feels Pakistan’s spinners will be pivotal in the second innings. “Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar have a key role to play in the remaining days,” said Qasim.

Commenting on Brathwaite’s knock, Qasim said the West Indies have gained a lot from the ongoing series.

“West Indies are improving with every match,” he said. “Anchoring the team after four early wickets is an impressive feat by Brathwaite. This is the proof that the touring side has gained a lot from this series.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2016.

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