How Abbas Turned Momentum Back in Pakistan’s Favor
News Desk
Tarouba: Pakistan’s opening Test against the West Indies has evolved into a gripping contest of momentum, resilience and fast bowling, with neither side able to seize complete control after an action-packed third day in Tarouba.
What began as Pakistan’s opportunity to build a decisive first-innings lead quickly transformed into a day dominated by bowlers. Fourteen wickets fell across three sessions, yet the match remained finely balanced, setting the stage for a fascinating finish.
The day belonged first to Pakistan captain Shan Masood, whose composed century anchored the visitors’ innings. Resuming in a strong position, Masood displayed patience and discipline to compile 109, his seventh Test hundred, while Imam-ul-Haq contributed 63. Together, they appeared to be steering Pakistan toward a valuable first-innings advantage after West Indies had posted 311.
That advantage, however, disappeared in dramatic fashion.
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves produced the spell of his Test career, claiming a maiden five-wicket haul of 5-27 to spark a spectacular Pakistan collapse. After Masood and Salman Ali Agha had laid a solid platform, Pakistan’s lower order folded under relentless pressure, allowing the hosts to dismiss the visitors for 282 and secure a slender 29-run first-innings lead.
Just when West Indies looked poised to capitalize, Pakistan’s experienced pace attack responded with equal determination.
Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas once again demonstrated why he remains one of Pakistan’s most dependable seamers. Bowling with trademark precision, he removed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge in another masterclass of line and length before ending the day with outstanding figures of 3-14.
Mohammad Ali complemented Abbas brilliantly, producing a sharp return catch to dismiss Amir Jangoo as Pakistan reduced the hosts to 30-3 and immediately erased any hopes of a commanding second-innings lead.
West Indies captain Shai Hope, who had top-scored with 92 in the first innings, failed to repeat his heroics. Attempting to accelerate against Khurram Shahzad, Hope’s aggressive approach backfired as the Pakistan pacer cleaned him up, handing the visitors another crucial breakthrough.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul briefly steadied the innings with a patient 35, while Greaves continued his impressive all-round performance by frustrating Pakistan alongside him. Their partnership helped West Indies edge ahead, but Pakistan refused to let the match slip away.
Aamer Jamal broke the stand by removing Chanderpaul before Abbas and Shahzad returned to dismiss Greaves and Roston Chase, exposing the lower order once again.
Still, the hosts found one final burst of resistance.
Tailender Shamar Joseph counterattacked fearlessly, launching three towering sixes to push West Indies’ lead beyond 150. His unbeaten 22, together with Kemar Roach’s stubborn resistance, ensured the home side finished the day on 126-7 with a lead of 155 runs.
The fluctuating fortunes reflected the nature of a Test match where every session has carried a different story. Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack has repeatedly rescued the visitors after batting setbacks, while West Indies have relied on timely bowling performances and determined lower-order contributions to stay ahead.
With only three West Indies wickets remaining and a challenging fourth-innings chase looming, the first Test remains delicately poised. Pakistan will aim to wrap up the innings quickly on the fourth morning, while the hosts will look to stretch their lead further and place the visitors under maximum pressure on a surface increasingly offering assistance to the bowlers.
After three absorbing days, the contest remains wide open, with momentum continuing to shift and the outcome likely to be decided by whichever side handles the decisive moments better.
