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MULTAN, Jan 26 (APP):The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies has reached a gripping phase as Pakistan, chasing a target of 254, stumbled to 76/4 by the end of Day 2 in Multan. With six wickets in hand, the hosts still needed 178 runs to seal a victory, while the visitors were just six wickets away from a series-defining win.
Saud Shakeel, unbeaten on 13 and debutant Kashif Ali, struggling on 1, will have the daunting task of navigating a charged-up West Indies bowling attack on Day 3.
The chase began disastrously for Pakistan, as both openers, captain Shan Masood and Mohammad Harira, were dismissed for just 2 runs apiece, leaving the team in early trouble. Kamran Ghulam fought hard for his 19, while Babar Azam, the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting, contributed a fluent 31 before falling to an exceptional delivery. West Indies’ bowlers were clinical, with Kevin Sinclair leading the charge by picking up two key wickets, while Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie claimed one each, piling pressure on the struggling hosts.
Earlier in the day, West Indies put up a determined performance in their second innings, scoring 244 runs to extend their slender 9-run first-innings lead to a challenging target of 254. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite anchored the innings with a composed 52, building a 50-run opening stand with Mikyle Louis before Louis fell cheaply for 7 to Noman Ali. Brathwaite’s dismissal at 92 triggered a middle-order collapse, but crucial contributions from Tevin Imlach (35), Kevin Sinclair (28), and Gudakesh Motie (18) ensured the visitors posted a competitive total.
Pakistan’s spinners dominated with the ball, as Noman Ali and Sajid Khan claimed four wickets each, exploiting the turning track effectively. Abrar Ahmed and Kashif Ali chipped in with a wicket apiece, wrapping up the West Indies innings but not before the visitors had set an imposing target.
The stage was now set for a high-stakes showdown in Multan. With Pakistan’s batting under immense pressure and the West Indies bowlers brimming with confidence, the contest promises an electrifying finish. Can Pakistan’s remaining batsmen script a remarkable comeback, or will the West Indies bowlers clinch a famous victory? The drama unfolds on Day 3 of the second Test.