Pakistan v West Indies, 2nd Test Day 4: 5 Talking Points

Pakistan inched closer to victory in the second Test in spite of some frustration with the resistance shown to the hosts by the West Indies batsmen on the day. However, in spite of the situation, the day concluded with just 5 wickets falling four of which were claimed by Pakistan. The spinners from both sides toiled all day as the situation after four days of cricket at Abu Dhabi clearly pointed to a Pakistani victory. Six wickets are all that stands between Pakistan and the West Indies as the latter looks to save the Test match.

1. Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan add valuable runs

The hero of the first innings Younis Khan made his way out to bat early on in the day and joined Asad Shafiq who was already well set. Following the fall of Azhar Ali to a terrible delivery from Miguel Cummins, the duo stitched an important partnership of 63 runs, something that took Pakistan’s lead to over 400 runs, an improbable task for the West Indies to chase. Moreover, Younis Khan was continuing from his previous innings where he had managed an impressive 127 runs in the first innings.

2. Pakistan sets an improbable target for Windies

When the Pakistan declaration came shortly after lunch, their lead was a massive 456 runs, something that has not been chased down in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, this was breaking the rut the Pakistanis had got themselves in the first match, something that the Pakistan batsmen did not allow to happen this time around. Devendra Bishoo, the man of the previous match who gave the Windies a chance of victory at Dubai also failed to make his chance count this time around.

3 .Kraigg Brathwaite frustrates Pakistan with solidity of defense

Kraigg Brathwaite was perhaps one of the most impressive players in the West Indies batting unit at the moment. The 23-year old who also serves as the deputy to Jason Holder was seemingly a solid brick wall that stood in between Pakistan and the West Indies. He smashed 67 extremely vital runs and frustrated the Pakistani bowlers who were toiling away. His 67 included 6 boundaries and was compiled in 133 deliveries.

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4. Yasir and Rahat toil all day long

Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali were the ones used in tandem by Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq with the hope that they could bring down the curtains on the encounter on the fourth day itself. However, with the Windies batting, as well as they, did and the Pakistan bowlers toiling away to glory, the Pakistanis were able to muster just the four wickets in the day. Yasir Shah and Rahat Ali bowled 32 overs between them and managed just the 3 wickets as they did.

5. Jermaine Blackwood adds to frustration

Jermaine Blackwood added to the frustration for the Pakistanis as he smashed his way to 41 runs, something that ensured that the match would go into the final day. Moreover, Blackwood showcased something that has not been seen from him in recent times given the fact that he is one of the most aggressive players in the side. Roston Chase also waited it out netting 17 off 55 deliveries.

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