Mohammad Ali’s four-wicked haul skittles Wes…
Mohammad Ali delivered a career-best performance, taking 4-50 as Pakistan bowled out West Indies for 311 on the second day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba .
The right-arm pacer’s inspired spell ensured the Men in Maroon could only add two runs to their total after lunch before being dismissed, with Shai Hope agonizingly falling short of a century pinned on 92 by Ali .
Pakistan had made an early breakthrough in the morning session, dismissing well-set Kavem Hodge for 84 after West Indies resumed on 194-3 following a rain-truncated opening day. Khurram Shahzad struck early as Hodge edged to second slip, where Salman Ali Agha held a sharp catch, with the hosts adding just two runs to their overnight total .
The dismissal ended a 91-run partnership that had steadied the West Indies innings. From there, the hosts lost their way, losing wickets in quick succession despite brief stands . Justin Greaves and Hope added 34 runs for the fifth wicket before Ali’s persistence paid off. Ali got Greaves shortly after Hope had been dropped by Azan Awais in the slips, with Greaves managing just 15 .
Skipper Roston Chase arrived at 231-5 and added 26 with Hope before Mohammad Abbas found his edge, with Mohammad Rizwan taking a safe catch behind the stumps. Chase made 10 .
With the tail exposed, Pakistan sensed an opportunity to close out the innings, but Hope batted impressively including an elegant six over cover off Shahzad and shared a 17-run stand with Kemar Roach (3) to take West Indies past 300 by lunch . Hope’s resistance ended on 92 when Ali trapped him in front .
After lunch, Shamar Joseph was caught for 23 and Jayden Seales was bowled by Ali without scoring as the innings folded . Mohammad Abbas, continuing his return to form after being included in the touring squad for the upcoming England series, picked up three wickets in his 26 overs .
Pakistan will now look to build a substantial first-innings lead on a pitch that has offered increasing assistance to the seamers as the game has progressed .
