PAK v WI, 1st Test, Day 2 Review: Pakistan dominates listless West Indies

Day Two of the opening Test of the three-match Test series at the Dubai International Stadium was no different than the first day’s play. Azhar Ali continued bullying the toothless West Indies bowling attack and raced his way to his maiden triple century. In a marathon 469 runs knock, Ali made an unbeaten 302 before Pakistan declared at 579/3 at Supper. West Indies started cautiously and reached 69/1 at stumps.

Pakistan resumed batting at 279/1 and continued to dominate the hapless West Indies bowlers. Azhar Ali, who forged an 215 run opening wicket stand on day one, received ample support from the No. 3 Asad Shafiq and debutant Babar Azam. There was no respite for the West Indies bowlers on the placid wicket as Pakistan went on to add 300 runs and take a match-winning position in the match.

It was a record-making day for Ali. After becoming the first centurion in the pink ball format, he also pocketed the honour of becoming the first double centurion and first triple centurion in the pink ball format. Resuming to bat on 146, Ali raced to the double century mark by tea session nd completed the milestone just two balls after the break. And, as the supper approached, Ali went on to complete his maiden triple century. Flicks, drives, cuts, late-cuts, pulls, sweeps, reverse sweeps, he played all the shots as the day progressed. There superb concentration on display.

To support him at the crease were Shafiq (67) and Babar Azam (69). Both the batsman gave Ali good support and batted throughout the day with him before Misbah came in and played a short cameo. Shafiq had no problems in playing a secondary role to Ali and quietly contributed in the 137 run third wicket partnership. The stand ended in the 109th over when Shafiq committed a fatal error and scooped a catch back to leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

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This wicket, however, wasn’t a success for West Indies. It was more of a mistake which brought another in-form batsman, Babar Azam, to the crease. He also joined the party with Ali and hit 39 runs , putting up 165 runs fourth wicket stand while enjoying Ali create milestones. Azam, who was handed his debut following three back to back ODI centuries took no time to settle in and gave an easy start to his test career.

Both Ali and Azam looked steady and took the Pakistan score past 500 runs. But, two overs later, the stand was broken after Bishoo got Azam caught by Holder. Misbah ul Haq hurried things up a bit with his cameo and quickly made the declaration after Ali joined the likes Hanif Mohammad, Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq to hit a triple ton.

Brief Scores:

Pakistan: 579/3 decl. (Azhar 302*  Devendra Bishoo 2-125)

West Indies: 69/1 (Kraigg Brathwaite 32*; Yasir Shah 1-13)