Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq power Pakistan’s recovery in first Test against West Indies

Pakistan staged a strong fightback on day two of the opening Test against the West Indies as Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq shared a superb 155-run partnership to put the visitors in a commanding position at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Read More: ‘I’ve worked on how to win matches’, says Imamul Haq At stumps, Pakistan were 199-3 in reply to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 311, trailing by 112 runs with captain Shan Masood unbeaten on 88. Salman Ali Agha was yet to score at the close of play. Pakistan’s innings got off to a disappointing start when opener Azan Awais was dismissed for a nine-ball duck by veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who produced a superb delivery to uproot the stumps. After the early setback, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood steadied the innings with a fluent 155-run stand for the second wicket. The pair absorbed the pressure before accelerating, frustrating the West Indies bowlers with disciplined shot selection and regular boundaries. Shan brought up his 15th Test half-century, while Imam registered his 11th Test fifty during the impressive partnership. Imam’s composed knock ended on 63 from 102 deliveries, including seven boundaries, when Shamar Joseph finally broke the stand. Returning captain Babar Azam then joined Shan and looked comfortable during a 41-run partnership. Babar scored a composed 23 off 38 balls before Jayden Seales dismissed him, leaving Pakistan at 197-3. Earlier, the West Indies were bowled out for 311 in 98.5 overs after solid contributions from Shai Hope and Kevlon Hodge. Hope narrowly missed a century, top-scoring with 92, while Hodge added a resilient 84. Read More: Azan Awais century powers Pakistan recovery in Dhaka test Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Mohammad Ali, who claimed 4-50, while Mohammad Abbas picked up 3-65. Khurram Shahzad took two wickets and Aamer Jamal claimed one as Pakistan restricted the hosts to a manageable first-innings total. With Shan Masood still at the crease, Pakistan will look to erase the deficit and build a first-innings lead on day three.