PAK v WI, 2nd Test Day 2 Review: Late goof ups help Pakistan gain advantage

Rahat Ali produced an admirable bowling performance and dragged Pakistan towards a gaining a firm control of the match at stumps on day two against West Indies at Dubai. West Indies never looked in control while batting in the second innings as the Pakistan bowling attack led by Rahat Ali struck at regular intervals to keep them under pressure, giving them no breathing space.

Batting in response to the Pakistan’s first inning total of 452, Windies found run scoring really difficult task. Left-arm fast bowler Rahat Ali and Sohail Khan began with tight spells and gave no opportunity to the opening pair of Leon Johnson and Darren Bravo to score freely. The pair started well and showed intent. But, they weren’t able to flourish despite some defensive field setting from Misbah.

Dot balls don’t build pressure in the longest format but the inability to get going has an effect. Leon Johnson fell due to the very same reason. The right-hander really tied down from one end and eventually collapsed. Rahat Ali surprised him with a full, straight delivery and trapped him leg before.

Bravo was more comfortable and looked well –set for another great knock. In fact, he was well on his way towards producing one such knock. But, a failed attempt to pull a short, flatter delivery on the middle and leg stump from Yasir Shah saw him get trapped leg before. The on-field umpire showed hesitation to give out but Misbah was confident and went for the review which turned out to be in their favour. These couple of strikes let Pakistan gain an upper hand in the last session

The onus was now on Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels to help West Indies play out the last session and ensure that there were no further damages. Both showcased determination and slowly helped Windies crawl towards stability. The pair knitted a careful 41 run stand for the 3rd wicket. The Pakistan bowlers, especially the spin duo of Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah had to bowl without luck. They were able to create pressure but success eluded them.

But, before everyone concluded that both the well set Brathwaite and Samuels would bat till the end and ensure no setbacks, a sweet turnaround for Pakistan happened. In the 44th over, Rahat Ali broke the stand with the wicket of Samuels. The right-hander appeared a bit lazy while trying to connect an away swinging delivery and nicked it into the hands of the Sami Islam at first slip. West Indies inflicted further loss after Kraigg Brathwaite gifted his wicket when a late mix-up with night watchman Bishoo saw him getting run out.

Earlier, Pakistan was able to stretch their overnight score of 304/4 to a commanding 452 before getting all out just before tea. It was a dominating The day began on a sour note after skipper Misbah-ul-Haq failed to reach his century. The skipper, who returned to the pavilion with 90 runs on day two, fell short of his 11th ton by four runs.

However, half century from Sarfraz Ahmed (56) and brief cameos from Mohammad Nawaz (25) and Sohail Khan (26) saw Pakistan dominate West Indies til the Lunch session. But the West Indies bowler led by Carlos Brathwaite made a remarkable comeback later to bundle out Pakistan quickly in the second session.

Brief Score:

Pakistan, 1st innings: 452 (Younis Khan 127; S Gabriel 5/96)

West Indies, 1st Innings: 106/ 3(Darren Bravo 43; Rahat Ali 2/31)