Kingston, Jamaica, 21 August 2021: Pakistan did a Pakistan when they slipped to two for three inside the first four overs of the second Test against the West Indies before recovering to finish the opening day’s play at 212 for four at the Sabina Park in Kingston.
Fawad Alam retired hurt at a laborious 76, while Babar Azam scored a well-constructed 75 – as the two batsmen added 158 runs for the fourth wicket to save the visitors from embarrassment in what is a must-win match to save the series and retain the trophy.
Fawad walked back to the dressing room shortly after tea with cramps on a hot and humid day but not before showing his grit, class and concentration. His 149-ball innings is studded with 11 fours and when he will resume his innings at some stage on Saturday, he will aim to convert a solid start into his fifth Test century.
Babar Azam was destined for his sixth career century before he was smartly caught in the second slip by Jason Holder off Kemar Roach, who was undoubtedly the most impressive bowler on a pitch which did not have the same demons as the first Test.
Roach picked up Abid Ali (one) and Azhar Ali (zero) halfway into his second over of the match after Kraigg Braithwaite had once again won the toss and decided to field first. Roach then added the scalp of Babar Azam to finish the day with figures of three for 49.
Jayden Seales ended Imran Butt’s 12-ball innings outing to leave a big question on the career of the 25-year-old batsman. On this tour, Imran has faced 49 balls for his 12 runs, meaning he has managed to reach 20 only once in his nine Test innings – 91 against Zimbabwe in the first innings of his third Test.
After Babar departed at the total of 168, Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf carried the innings forward to ensure the hard work of their captain and Fawad was not wasted.
When stumps were drawn for the day due to bad light, Rizwan was batting on 22, while Faheem was 23 not out with the fifth wicket having already yielded 44 runs.
Earlier, both the sides made one change apiece. Pakistan included Nauman Ali in place of Yasir Shah while the West Indies added fast bowler Alzarri Joseph in place of Jomel Warrican.
Complete scorecard available here.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan 212-4, 74 overs (Fawad Alam 76 retired hurt, Babar Azam 75, Faheem Ashraf 23 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 22 not out; Kemar Roach 3-49)
West Indies
Toss – West Indies
