Share

Ajmal puts Windies in a spin

Pakistan recovered from losing three early wickets to reach 80 for three at the close on a remarkable third day of the first test against West Indies in Guyana on Saturday leaving them 139 runs short of victory.

Full scoreboard and Live scoring

A fascinating encounter on a throwback surface, that in contrast to so many modern test wickets offers something for the bowlers and truly tests the batsmen, remains in the balance although Pakistan will feel they have the upper hand.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal again dominated, taking six wickets, making it 11 in the game, as West Indies were bowled out for 152 in their second innings.

That total would have been even worse had it not been for a fine 10th wicket partnership between last man Devendra Bishoo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The Guyanese pair put on 48 for the final wicket -- the best partnership in the West Indies innings with last man Bishoo making 24 and Chanderpaul unbeaten on 36.

It gave Darren Sammy's side a target to bowl at despite Pakistan having more than two days to reach the modest target.

A surface that had offered plenty for all kinds of bowlers, especially the spinners, was certain to produce some difficulties though for the tourists.

Ravi Rampaul gave West Indies the perfect start when he trapped Taufeeq Umar lbw without him scoring and then two balls later removed Azhar Ali, caught behind for nought.

Pakistan were reeling at three down for just two runs after Kemar Roach picked up the prize wicket of Mohammad Hafeez, lbw after a review with a ball that cut back sharply.

With the home support going wild with delight, the prospect of a swift end to the contest appeared on the horizon but Asad Shafiq (40 not out) and Misbah-ul-Haq (34) knuckled down and produced the biggest partnership of this low scoring test -- putting on 78 before the close.

It was a timely contribution to calm the nerves in the Pakistan camp overnight but, while time is no issue, 139 runs with seven wickets remaining will be a testing task f 1869750388

The last wicket stand keeps West Indies' hopes alive but, despite the tricky track, Pakistan will fancy their chances of taking a 1-0 lead in the two-test series.

Teams:

West Indies:
DS Smith, LMP Simmons, DM Bravo, S Chanderpaul, RR Sarwan, BP Nash, CS Baugh (wk), DJG Sammy (capt), R Rampaul, KAJ Roach, D Bishoo

Pakistan:
Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Salman (wk), Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1184 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1374 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2094 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE