Twitter Reactions: Babar Azam’s half-century keeps Pakistan in hunt against West Indies

The ongoing first Test match between Pakistan and West Indies is somewhat poised after the end of Day 3. At stumps on the second day, Pakistan were 160/5, earning a lead of 124 runs at the Sabina Park in Kingston. While the Caribbean team might look in a better position at the moment, they have to bat last on a constantly –deteriorating surface. Hence, it would be interesting to see how the remaining game unfolds.

As far as the happenings of Day are concerned, West Indies couldn’t add much to their overnight score of 251/8 and got skittled out for 253. Nevertheless, they got a handy first-innings lead of 34 runs. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, registering a four-wicket haul. At the same time, Mohammad Abbas got three scalps under his kitty.

Pakistan, who scored 217 while batting first, had a great chance to redeem themselves. However, they got off to a terrible start yet again opener Imran Butt bagging an 11-ball duck. Abid Ali (34) and Azhar Ali (23) tried stabilizing Pakistan innings but neither of them could convert their start into a big score.

Babar Azam scores fighting half-century

The visitors got dented even further with Fawad Alam bagging a duck. Nevertheless, skipper Babar Azam joined forces with his deputy Mohammad Rizwan and the duo added 56 runs for the fifth wicket. However, the momentum again tilted towards West Indies’ favour with Rizwan falling prey to Jason Holder for 30.

Azam, nevertheless, didn’t put his guards down and scored a well-compiled fifty. He remained unbeaten till the end of the day’s play alongside Faheem Ashraf. The duo has so far 39 runs and will like to take Pakistan towards a substantial score. However, their going won’t be easy as West Indies pacers have been breathing fire.

So far, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales have scalped two wickets apiece in this innings while Jason Holder dismissed one batter. With the Sabina Park track assisting the fast bowlers, any target beyond 200 won’t be easy to chase. Hence, the home team must look to take the remaining wickets as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, here’s how Twitterati reacted to the happenings of Day 3