Justin Greaves’ Five-wicket haul bowls Pakistan out for 282

TAROUBA: Pakistan produced a strong response against the West Indies on the second day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The visitors reached 199 for three at stumps. They still trail the West Indies by 112 runs after the hosts were bowled out for 311. Shan Masood led the recovery with an unbeaten 88. He faced 137 deliveries and struck 11 boundaries. Imam-ul-Haq also played an important innings. He scored 63 from 102 balls and shared a 155-run partnership with Shan. Pakistan suffered an early setback when debutant Azan Awais was dismissed for a duck. Kemar Roach bowled him in the second over. Shan and Imam then took control of the innings. They attacked the West Indies bowlers and kept the scoreboard moving. Shan reached his half-century from only 46 balls. Imam also completed his fifty during the partnership. Imam eventually fell after making 63. Shamar Joseph took his wicket, ending the strong second-wicket stand. Captain Babar Azam then joined Shan at the crease. He scored 23 before edging Jayden Seales to wicketkeeper Shai Hope. Salman Ali Agha was unbeaten on nought when bad light stopped play. Pakistan finished the day with seven wickets still in hand. Earlier, Pakistan’s fast bowlers completed a strong effort to dismiss the West Indies for 311. Mohammad Ali was the leading wicket-taker. He finished with four wickets for 50 runs. Mohammad Abbas also impressed with three wickets. Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets. Shai Hope was the West Indies’ top scorer. He made 92 runs, falling just eight runs short of a century. Kavem Hodge contributed 84 before being dismissed early in the morning session. Hodge had resumed the day on 83. He added only one run before edging Khurram Shahzad to second slip, where Salman Ali Agha completed the catch. Hope continued to resist after Hodge’s departure. He formed useful partnerships with Justin Greaves, Roston Chase and Shamar Joseph. Pakistan eventually broke through the lower order. Mohammad Ali dismissed Greaves and later removed Hope. Shamar Joseph made a quick 23. His innings included four boundaries and a six. Ali then bowled Jayden Seales to complete the West Indies innings at 311. Pakistan now have a strong opportunity to reduce the deficit and potentially take a first-innings lead. Shan Masood remains at the crease and will resume on 88 when play begins on the third day.

Pakistan’s difficult start to the Masters Hockey World Cup continued on Monday as Ireland handed them a crushing 11-0 defeat in their second Group D match. The one-sided result leaves Pakistan searching for answers after another disappointing outing in the tournament. Ireland dominated proceedings and repeatedly breached the Pakistani defence, eventually finishing with an emphatic 11-goal victory. Pakistan struggled to create a meaningful attacking threat throughout the contest, while Ireland maintained pressure and capitalised on their opportunities. The Pakistani side failed to find the net despite efforts to regain control of the match. The defeat was particularly disappointing for a team featuring experienced former Olympians. Olympians Shahbaz Senior and Khalid Hameed were unable to produce the kind of performance that could inspire a turnaround as Ireland maintained their control from start to finish. The 11-0 scoreline also highlights the challenge facing Pakistan as they attempt to recover from back-to-back defeats at the competition. Pakistan will now have little time to regroup. Their next Group D assignment is scheduled for August 11, when they will face Wales. The upcoming match could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to put the heavy defeat behind them and restore some confidence. However, they will need a much stronger defensive display and greater attacking organisation if they are to avoid another difficult outing. For Pakistan, the focus now shifts from the disappointment against Ireland to the immediate task of responding against Wales. With the tournament moving quickly, the team will be hoping to turn the page and produce a more competitive performance in its next appearance.