Pakistan‘s top order produced a dominant response on Day 2 of the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. Powered by brilliant half-centuries from captain Shan Masood and opener Imam ul Haq, the visitors reached 199/3 in 48 overs at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test, trailing the West Indies‘ first-innings score of 311 by 112 runs.
Pakistan halts West Indies to a competitive total
Resuming Day 2 from their comfortable overnight position of 194/3, the West Indies aimed to build a massive first-innings total. Overnight batter Kavem Hodge, who restarted on 83, was dismissed early without adding to his tally, falling to Khurram Shahzad for 84.
Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope anchored the middle order with a resolute 92 off 182 balls (including 3 fours and 1 six). Support came from the lower order as Shamar Joseph chipped in with a brisk 23 off 18 balls. However, Pakistan’s seam attack triggered regular breakthroughs once the second new ball was taken in the 84th over.
Mohammad Ali spearheaded the bowling attack with precise spells, taking 4 for 55 in 21.5 overs. Experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas claimed 3 for 66, while Shahzad bagged 2 for 66, wrapping up the West Indies innings for 311 in 98.5 overs just before Lunch.
Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq power Pakistan into a commanding position on Day 2
Pakistan faced an early setback in their reply when young opener Azan Awais was clean bowled by Kemar Roach for a nine-ball duck in the third over, leaving the score at 1/1. Masood and left-handed opener Imam then took charge, counter-attacking the West Indian bowling lineup with a 155-run partnership for the second wicket. Masood set a positive tempo, reaching his half-century off just 46 deliveries. Imam played a classic Test knock, reaching his 50 in 81 balls. Masood and Imam added 155 runs off 187 balls for the 2nd wicket, scoring at over 5 runs per over.
Shamar eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Imam for 63, caught by Justin Greaves. Late in the day, Jayden Seales removed Babar Azam for 23, caught by Hope.
Bad light halted play at 48 overs with Pakistan positioned strongly at 199/3. Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 88 off 137 balls, alongside Salman Agha (0*). Operating at a healthy run rate of 4.14, Pakistan will aim to erase the 112-run deficit on Day 3 and press for a significant match-defining lead.
Day 2, Stumps
PAK: 199/3, trail by 112 runs 🏏
Imam-ul-Haq: 63 and Shan Masood is at 88* ✋#WIvPAK #ShanMasood #ImamulHaq pic.twitter.com/5fmfJC5yhz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 27, 2026
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