Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd Test: 5 Talking Points

Yasir Shah completed yet another 10-wicket haul as Pakistan went ahead and completed a series win courtesy of the 2-0 win in as many matches in the Test against Abu Dhabi. Jermaine Blackwood slammed an impressive half-century while Shai Hope also impressed with some impressive batsmanship which took the Windies closer to the target. However, it was some terrific bowling as Pakistan wrapped up the match with almost an hour left for the tea break.

1. Windies slam the door shut

The start of play began with both Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali being given the new ball to close out the match at the start of the encounter itself. However, the West Indies batsmen Jermaine Blackwood and Roston Chase slammed the door shut as Pakistan were made to work for their wickets, something that most certainly did not come easily. Finally, it was the magical presence of Yasir Shah who impressed with some terrific bowling to dismiss the solid Chase.

2. Jermaine Blackwood impresses with some brilliant batting

Jermaine Blackwood carried on despite the loss of the wicket in the form of Roston Chase. The youngster batted out for a brief bit before he decided to cut loose. The cutting loose came on the cusp of the lunch session as the Windies seemed to be on the brink of a loss. However, in spite of this, Blackwood slammed the ball repeatedly to the fence as he threaded his way to an important 95, a knock that included 11 boundaries.

3. Shai Hope adds to brief resistance

Assisting Blackwood was wicketkeeper-batsman Shai Hope who made the most of his opportunity with the bat. He initially played second fiddle to Jermaine Blackwood as they added a quickfire partnership of 50 runs, something that was rather unprecedented at the time. Moreover, the fact of the matter remained that Hope slammed 41 important runs in 93 deliveries including 4 boundaries that went to the fence.

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3. Yasir Shah completes 10-wicket haul

The ongoing PAK v WI series has been quite a good one as far as Yasir Shah is concerned. The 31-year old leg-spinner impressed with some impressive bowling on the day as he went on to claim 6 of the 10 West Indian wickets to fall in the second innings. While he is the second fastest player to 200 Test wickets, Yasir Shah toiled away as he bowled 39 overs in the innings, something rather unprecedented for the leg-spinner.

5. Misbah-ul-Haq appropriately completes the catch

Misbah-ul-Haq claimed the catch that dismissed Devendra Bishoo. Although it was only a regulation catch and something the Pakistan skipper was expected to make, it was the catch that completed the match as far as Pakistan was concerned. Sohail Khan, in fact, was the only bowler not to take a wicket as all the bowlers complemented each other quite nicely.

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