‘Plug and play’ Oftana completes Gilas’ Asian Games roster

PORT OF SPAIN: Justin Greaves produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide the West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan, putting the hosts in a strong position after rain and fading light curtailed play. Greaves remained unbeaten on 64, while experienced all-rounder Roston Chase was solid on 36 not out, with the pair steering the Caribbean side through the closing stages after Pakistan struck at regular intervals. Earlier, Brandon King laid the foundation for the innings with an impressive 46, helping the West Indies recover from early setbacks before narrowly missing out on a well-deserved half-century. Pakistan’s bowlers worked hard on a surface that offered occasional assistance but struggled to build sustained pressure as partnerships frustrated the visitors throughout the day. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets with disciplined line and length. Ubaid Shah, Ali Usman, and veteran spinner Sajid Khan picked up one wicket each, ensuring Pakistan stayed in the contest despite West Indies’ steady progress. The opening day’s play was interrupted by rain and poor light, limiting action to just 74 overs instead of a full day’s schedule. The frequent stoppages disrupted the rhythm of both teams and prevented Pakistan from fully capitalising whenever they gained momentum. With five wickets still in hand, the West Indies will look to extend their first-innings total beyond 350 when play resumes on Tuesday. Greaves and Chase will be aiming to convert their unbeaten partnership into a match-defining stand. Pakistan, meanwhile, will target an early breakthrough on the second morning to expose the lower order and prevent the hosts from taking complete control of the contest. The second day’s opening session is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the Test, with both teams aware that a strong first-innings performance could prove decisive in the battle for series momentum.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has been reunited with his missing pet dog, Duke, bringing an end to an anxious search that drew widespread public attention on social media. The dog had gone missing from DHA Phase 8 in Karachi earlier this week. Concerned about Duke’s disappearance, Akram appealed to the public for help in locating the pet and asked anyone with information to come forward. To encourage people to assist in the search, the former fast bowler announced a cash reward of Rs250,000 through his Instagram Story. In his message, he described Duke as a young black dog and requested that anyone who found him contact the family immediately. The appeal quickly gained traction online, with cricket fans, animal lovers and social media users sharing Akram’s posts in an effort to help locate the missing pet. The case also attracted the attention of local police, who assisted in the search. On Friday, Akram confirmed that Duke had been found safe. He shared the update through a video on social media, expressing his happiness and relief after being reunited with his beloved pet. The former captain thanked everyone who participated in the search, including members of the public who shared information and police officers who extended their support during the operation. He said the overwhelming response from people helped make the reunion possible. Akram also expressed appreciation for the kindness shown by well-wishers, saying the support received during the search reflected the compassion of the community. Meanwhile, his wife, Shaniera Akram, celebrated Duke’s safe return by sharing photographs of the dog on her Instagram Story. She also thanked everyone who had helped spread the family’s appeal and prayed for Duke’s safe recovery.

BECKENHAM: England have received a timely boost ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay included in the Professional County Club Select XI squad for a three-day warm-up match. Gay’s participation is encouraging news after the left-handed batter suffered a right shoulder injury while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week. He experienced discomfort early in his innings before aggravating the problem while playing a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the field after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries, raising concerns over his availability for England’s upcoming Test assignment. However, medical scans reportedly showed no serious damage, allowing Gay to return to competitive action as England assess his fitness. The warm-up fixture at Beckenham was initially scheduled for four days but has been shortened to three following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Gay will feature alongside England Test squad members Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Fisher in the PCC Select XI. The match could provide England with an important opportunity to monitor Gay’s shoulder before the first Test. Gay earned his place in England’s Test plans after an impressive run of form and made his international debut earlier this summer. His availability is particularly significant as England reshape their batting line-up following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Bashir, meanwhile, remains highly regarded by England’s selectors despite limited recent county appearances. The young spinner may not feature in the Test XI, with England considering a four-seamer attack and relying on Dan Lawrence and Joe Root for occasional off-spin. The PCC Select XI will be coached by England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy, with the England Lions head-coach position currently vacant. For England, Gay’s return offers a welcome sense of relief — but the warm-up match will reveal whether the opener is truly ready for the pressure of Test cricket against Pakistan. PCC Select XI squad Tom Haines (c), Shoaib Bashir, Luc Benkenstein, Caleb Falconer, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden, James Rew, James Sales, Charlie Tear, Noah Thain, Saif Zaib.