Pakistan seize control of second Test as Sajid Khan shines

Pakistan moved within touching distance of victory in the second Test against West Indies after Sajid Khan produced a superb four-wicket spell following Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 that handed the visitors a valuable first-innings lead at Queen’s Park Oval on Tuesday.

At stumps on Day 3, West Indies were reeling at 103/6 in 40.5 overs, holding a slender 60-run lead, with Justin Greaves unbeaten on one.

After conceding a first-innings deficit of 43 runs, West Indies began their second innings positively as openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge added 40 runs at a brisk pace.

Pakistan broke through in the 10th over when Sajid Khan trapped Chanderpaul lbw after the left-hander had scored 17.

Amir Jangoo then joined Hodge for a 22-run partnership before Sajid struck again, clean bowling the batter for 13 off 23 deliveries, including two boundaries.

Hodge resists before Pakistan strike again

Kavem Hodge continued to anchor the innings and shared a 12-run stand with captain Roston Chase before Ali Usman dismissed him lbw.

Hodge top-scored for West Indies with a patient 34 from 71 balls, including five fours.

His dismissal brought Shai Hope to the crease, and the wicketkeeper-batter added a cautious 25 runs with Chase before Sajid removed Hope for 15 during the closing stages of the day.

Late wickets put Pakistan in command

With West Indies on 99/4, the hosts sent in nightwatchman Jayden Seales, but the move failed immediately.

Seales survived only one delivery before Sajid trapped him lbw in the following over.

Ali Usman then provided Pakistan with another massive breakthrough on the final ball of the day by taking a sharp caught-and-bowled chance to dismiss captain Roston Chase, who made a careful 17 from 45 deliveries.

Sajid finished the day with outstanding figures of 4/32 in 12 overs, while Ali Usman claimed 2/29 in 16.5 overs.