Pakistan stretches advantage to 342

Yasir Shah took four wickets, and Azhar Ali and Sami Aslam then scored half-centuries, as Pakistan assumed command of the second Test against West Indies in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (October 23).

At close on day three at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Pakistan held an overall lead of 342 after reaching 114 for 1, Misbah-ul-Haq earlier choosing not to enforce the follow on despite a 228-run advantage in the first innings.

West Indies began the third morning on 106 for 4 in response to Pakistan’s 452, and was bowled out for 224 as Yasir, the leg-spinner, picked up 4 for 86.

Opting to set a big target and take advantage of a wearing surface, Pakistan saw Azhar and Sami put on 93 for the first wicket to extend the lead. Shannon Gabriel had Sami caught behind for 50 with a little over six overs remaining, and Azhar (52) and Asad Shafiq (5) saw Pakistan through to the close without any further damage.

Earlier, West Indies added just 118 to its overnight total of 106 for 4 before it was bowled out at tea. Jason Holder (31), the captain, and Gabriel (13) frustrated Pakistan with a 27-run last-wicket stand before Yasir took the final wicket of Gabriel, caught at mid-on.

Yasir also dismissed Roston Chase (22) and Shai Hope (11) after lunch while Sohail Khan bowled Miguel Cummins to finish with 2 for 35.

West Indies lost overnight batsman Jermaine Blackwood in the day’s seventh over, caught behind by Sarfraz Ahmed off Rahat Ali for eight. Chase and Devendra Bishoo, the nightwatchman, survived lbw appeals but Sohail had the last laugh as he clean bowled the stubborn Bishoo for 20, leaving West Indies struggling at 144 for 6.

Pakistan won the first Test in Dubai, the first day-night game in Asia, by 56 runs, and will fancy its chances of taking an unassailable 2-0 lead after this match. The third and final Test will be played in Sharjah from October 30.

For full scorecard of the match, clickhere.