Justin Greaves’ Five-Wicket Haul Gives West Indies 29-Run Lead as Pakistan Stumble in First Test

Shan Masood’s fighting 109 goes in vain as West Indies dismiss Pakistan for 282 before Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali strike back with three quick wickets

Sports Desk

TAROUBA: West Indies seized the advantage on the third day of the opening Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, taking a 29-run first-innings lead before Pakistan’s fast bowlers hit back to put the hosts under early pressure in their second innings.

Pakistan, resuming the day at 199 for 3 after West Indies had posted 311 in their first innings, were eventually bowled out for 282 in 80.1 overs. Shan Masood provided the backbone of the visitors’ batting effort with a determined century, but a late collapse prevented Pakistan from taking control of the contest.

All-rounder Justin Greaves was the standout performer for the West Indies, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His impressive figures of 5 for 27 from 11 overs played a decisive role in restricting Pakistan and securing a valuable first-innings advantage.

Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph claimed two wickets apiece, while Jayden Seales contributed one wicket as the West Indies bowling attack consistently troubled Pakistan’s lower order.

Masood Leads Pakistan’s Resistance

Pakistan began the third day in a strong position, with overnight batters Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha at the crease. The pair initially frustrated the West Indies bowlers and added 47 runs for the fourth wicket.

Masood reached a significant personal milestone by completing his seventh Test century. It was his first hundred since he was replaced as Pakistan's Test captain by Babar Azam, making the innings particularly significant for the experienced left-hander.

However, Pakistan's progress was halted when Shamar Joseph produced a delivery that moved late and struck the top of Agha's off stump. The all-rounder was dismissed for 20 after facing 60 balls and hitting three boundaries.

Greaves then delivered another major blow in the following over, dismissing Masood to end a valuable innings. The Pakistan batter scored 109 from 184 deliveries, including 12 boundaries, and emerged as his team's top scorer.

With Masood gone, Pakistan's innings quickly lost momentum. Greaves continued his remarkable spell, taking wickets at regular intervals. He dismissed returning all-rounder Aamir Jamal for three, debutant Ali Usman without scoring and Mohammad Rizwan for 12, leaving Pakistan struggling at 259 for 8.

The West Indies eventually wrapped up the innings shortly after lunch. Greaves completed his five-wicket haul by removing Mohammad Abbas for a duck, while Kemar Roach ended Khurram Shahzad's resistance at 19. Pakistan was dismissed for 282, handing the hosts a 29-run lead.

West Indies Lose Early Wickets

The West Indies, however, failed to make the most of their advantage with the bat. Pakistan's pace attack responded strongly, with Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali combining to put the home side under immediate pressure.

Abbas struck twice in the fourth over, removing Brandon King for five before dismissing Kavem Hodge without scoring. The double blow reduced West Indies to a precarious position and gave Pakistan renewed hope of making a comeback.

Amir Jangoo then joined Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the crease, and the pair attempted to steady the innings. They added 21 runs for the third wicket before Mohammad Ali produced another breakthrough. Jangoo was caught behind for four, leaving the West Indies at 28 for 3. At the end of the second session, Chanderpaul remained unbeaten alongside wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope. The pair had added only two runs by the close of the session, with West Indies reaching 30 for 3 after 14 overs, holding an overall lead of 59 runs.

The situation left the match finely balanced, with Pakistan's bowlers sensing an opportunity to erase the West Indies' first-innings advantage and potentially establish their own lead.

Pakistan Face Crucial Final Stages

Pakistan's hopes now rest heavily on their bowling attack as they look to restrict the West Indies to a manageable second-innings total. The hosts, meanwhile, will aim to rebuild their innings through Chanderpaul and Hope and establish a more substantial lead before the final innings of the Test.

With the West Indies holding a narrow advantage but already three wickets down, the opening Test has developed into a closely fought contest. Pakistan's inability to convert Masood's century into a substantial first-innings total could prove costly, while the West Indies will be disappointed by their own early collapse after gaining a 29-run lead.

The next phase of the match could prove decisive, with both teams still in contention and the pitch offering encouragement to the fast bowlers.