Pakistan on track to draw series

Pakistan will almost certainly level the two-Test series against the West Indies tomorrow, after the hosts capitulated to the spin of Danish Kaneria late in the day. Pakistan’s second-innings total of 309, helped by Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 22nd Test century, left WI chasing 280 to win. By Stumps on Day 4, they had stumbled to 114/6.

WI began the day needing quick wickets, with Pakistan looking to build a big lead. Shahid Afridi stated his intentions early, hitting a six in the second over of the day, but was soon to become Tino Best’s first victim, caught at midwicket for 43. Inzamam stood firm at one end while Best wreaked havoc at the other, on his way to career-best figures.

Abdul Razzaq managed only two before being bowled by Best (273/6). The last recognised batsman, ‘keeper Kamran Akmal, could do no better, caught behind for one. From there, Inzamam monopolised the strike and the runscoring. The last three batsmen managed precisely zero runs between them, yet Inzamam managed to propel the total from 279/7 to an eventual 309 all out. Tino Best added Rana Naved and Shabbir Ahmed to wickets tally, giving him a career-best 4-46. Corey Collymore picked up the final wicket to give him 4-56 in addition to his first innings seven wickets, giving him career-best match figures of 11-134.

Needing 280 to win on an increasingly difficult pitch, a strong start was needed from the WI openers. Chris Gayle could not oblige, however, as Pakistan’s first-innings bowling hero, Shabbir Ahmed, had him caught in the slips on 15. From there it was a steady slide as the middle-order lost their way to the spin of Danish Kaneria. Ramnaresh Sarwan was out unluckily on eight, treading on his stumps. The big blow came just five balls later, with first-innings centurion Brian Lara caught down the leg-side for nought.

Captain Shiv Chanderpaul could manage no better, given a dubious LBW decision to give Chanderpaul his third wicket. Devon Smith provided some resistance with 49, but when he and Wavell Hinds fell late in the day, WI chances of victory had effectively vanished.

Score Summary: Stumps Day 4

PAKISTAN 374 all out (100.3 overs)
Younis Khan 106, Asim Kamal 51, Inzamam-ul-Haq 50;
CD Collymore 7-78

WEST INDIES 404 all out (112 overs)
BC Lara 153, WW Hinds 63, RR Sarwan 55;
Shabbir Ahmed 4-64, Shahid Afridi 3-51

PAKISTAN 309 all out (77.5 overs)
Inzamam-ul-Haq 117*, Shoaib Malik 64;
T Best 4-54, CD Collymore 4-64

WEST INDIES 114 for 6 (40 overs)
DS Smith 49;
Danish Kaneria 4-36

West Indies require a further 166 to win