Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 keeps Pakistan alive as spinners leave West Indies in trouble on Day 3 of second Test

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A gripping third day at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain saw momentum swing repeatedly before Pakistan emerged with the upper hand. Abdullah Shafique‘s magnificent unbeaten 160 rescued the visitors after a dramatic batting collapse, while Pakistan’s spin duo of Sajid Khan and Ali Usman dismantled the West Indies top order to leave the hosts struggling at 103/6 in their second innings, holding a slender lead of just 60 runs.

Pakistan resumed Day 3 in a commanding position at 266/2, but what looked like a platform for a massive first-innings total quickly unravelled. The turning point arrived when Babar Azam, well set on 88, attempted a risky single that never existed. Brandon King produced a brilliant direct hit to catch the Pakistan captain short of his crease. However, the effort came at a cost as King landed awkwardly during the throw and suffered a lower back spasm, forcing him off the field. The West Indies batter did not return for the remainder of the day and later missed his side’s second innings.

Babar’s dismissal triggered a collapse. Awais Zafar was cleaned up by Jomel Warrican soon after, while Salman Agha departed for a duck after being trapped lbw by Shamar Joseph. Pakistan suddenly slipped from a dominant position to lose three wickets for just five runs.

Mohammad Rizwan briefly counter-attacked with three boundaries during his 18-run stay before Warrican deceived him with a sharp arm ball. At 311/6, Pakistan were in danger of conceding their advantage despite Shafique continuing to anchor the innings. The opener found valuable support from Sajid, who played positively despite Warrican operating relentlessly from one end. Their 59-run partnership steadied Pakistan and carried them into a first-innings lead.

Shafique brought up his 150 in style by taking on Kavem Hodge‘s part-time spin, but West Indies struck back after the drinks break. Jayden Seales ended Sajid’s determined knock for 30 before Warrican tore through the lower order, claiming three wickets in the space of four deliveries to finish with outstanding figures of 6/112.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 387, securing a narrow 43-run first-innings lead, while Shafique remained unbeaten on a superb 160 after running out of partners.

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West Indies began their second innings positively despite the absence of King, promoting Hodge to open alongside Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The pair rotated strike effectively and erased Pakistan’s first-innings advantage without taking unnecessary risks.

Pakistan, however, found success immediately after introducing spin. Sajid trapped Chanderpaul lbw in his very first over, breaking the opening stand. Although the hosts moved into the lead, Pakistan’s spin attack tightened its grip as the pitch continued to deteriorate. Amir Jangoo was bowled after misjudging the length, while Ali dismissed Hodge through a successful review for lbw. West Indies looked relatively comfortable at 99/3 before another dramatic collapse changed the complexion of the contest.

Shai Hope and captain Roston Chase attempted to blunt the spin threat with a patient stand, but scoring became increasingly difficult. Sajid eventually broke through by trapping Hope in front with a delivery that turned and stayed low. Nightwatchman Seales suffered a similar fate shortly afterwards, and Chase then chipped a simple return catch to Usman just before stumps. The hosts lost three wickets for only four runs, slumping from 99/3 to 103/6 in a worrying finish to the day.

With West Indies leading by only 60 runs and already six wickets down, Pakistan will head into the fourth morning full of confidence. The uncertainty surrounding King’s fitness further complicates the hosts’ task, leaving Justin Greaves with the responsibility of guiding the lower order and stretching the lead to a competitive total.

Pakistan are firmly on top at the end of moving day. West Indies lead by just 60 runs but have already lost six wickets ✅#WIvPAK #WestIndiesCricketTeam

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 5, 2026

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