Xplorich
NEW DELHI: Pakistan ended Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies in a strong position, reaching 199/3 in reply to the hosts’ first-innings total of 311. Former captain Shan Masood led the fightback with an unbeaten 88, making an impressive return with the bat after recently stepping down from the captaincy. He was well supported by Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 63 as the pair shared a crucial 155-run partnership.Pakistan lost an early wicket when Azan Awais was bowled by Kemar Roach, but Masood and Imam steadied the innings with positive strokeplay. Masood brought up his half-century in just 46 balls, while Imam reached his 11th Test fifty before being dismissed for 63. New captain Babar Azam added 23 before falling late in the day, while Salman Agha remained unbeaten at stumps alongside Masood after bad light brought play to an early close.Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for 311 after resuming the day at 194/3. Shai Hope top-scored with 92, narrowly missing out on a century, while Kavem Hodge made 84. Hope anchored the innings despite losing partners regularly and received useful contributions from Shamar Joseph, who scored a quick 23.Pakistan’s bowlers pulled things back after West Indies’ solid start. Mohammad Ali picked up four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas claimed three after making an immediate impact with the second new ball. Khurram Shahzad also struck early to remove Hodge, helping Pakistan wrap up the innings before their batters took control through Masood and Imam.
