Monday, May 16, 2011

Misbah, Shafiq restore Pakistan hopes

Posted May 15, 2011 09:27:00

Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq rescued Pakistan from a perilous 3 for 2 to be 3 for 80 at stumps on day three of the first Test against the West Indies, as the tourists chased down a 219-run winning target.

Shafiq led the way with 40 not out and Misbah scored an unbeaten 34 before bad light stopped play early in Guyana.

This followed a dramatic top-order batting collapse that left the visitors wobbling in the third over.

Misbah and Shafiq added 78 for the fourth wicket to deflate the Windies and put the visitors' victory bid back on track.

The unnerving start to Pakistan's chase overshadowed career-best bowling from Saeed Ajmal that undermined the hosts and led to their dismissal for a modest 152 in their second innings just before tea.

Ajmal finished with 6 for 42 from 23.5 overs for match figures of 11 for 111.

The Pakistani off spinner exploited a tricky Guyana National Stadium pitch, getting deliveries to bounce awkwardly and turn sharply to shatter the home team's batting after it resumed from its overnight total of 2 for 34.

Ajmal struck with the fifth ball of the day, removing night-watchman Kemar Roach, and added the scalps of Ramnaresh Sarwan, Carlton Baugh, Ravi Rampaul and Devendra Bishoo.

The visitors, however, were held up by a defiant, record last-wicket stand of 48 between Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose 36 not out was the Windies' top score, and Bishoo, with 24.

Pakistan was then rocked early when Ravi Rampaul trapped Taufeeq Umar lbw and had Azhar Ali caught behind - both for ducks - in the space of three balls in his first over, the second of the innings.

The Pakistanis stumbled further when Kemar Roach had Mohammad Hafeez lbw, following a review of New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden's not-out verdict.

It was the 16th lbw dismissal in the match.

The visitors had a big slice of fortune when Darren Bravo dropped Shafiq - on nought - at fourth slip off Rampaul, and from this point, the momentum shifted Pakistan's way.

Shafiq responded with a flick through mid-wicket for his first boundary off Rampaul, and then glanced the fast-medium bowler for his second four to deep fine leg.

Misbah brought his steadying influence to the crease, and Shafiq benefitted as the two batted resolutely through until the close.

-AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, guyana, pakistan


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