The Pakistani bowlers have finally come to the party by clinically winning the second test match against the Caribbean Kings. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers and was eventually named “Man of the match” and “Man of the series”. The Pakistani players played their hearts out to level the series. With this victory, the Asians managed to salvage a draw in the series and share the trophy. For the West Indians, Jason Holder, the deputy captain was the pick of the batsman. After winning the first game by a margin of 1 wicket, the series was expected to be a thriller and it was one of a kind. Here’s a look at how day 5 panned out: –
1st Session: –
The first session belonged to the Pakistani bowlers and so did the entire day. They immediately got rid of the night watchman Alzarri Joseph. The scorecard read 69-2 when the hero from the Bangladesh series Nkrumah Bonner fell making it 69-3. He was caught plumb by Hassan Ali. Roston Chase was the next one in. He too didn’t bother the scorers much as he nicked one to the slips. At the far end of the session, Braithwaite and Blackwood offered a sort of resistance.
But all of it went down the drains when Blackwood fell to Nauman Ali, the veteran Pakistani finger spinner. The score read 101-5 while Jermain moved back to the pavilion. This was Nauman Ali’s first wicket of the test match, as the pacers dominated most of the match. Kyle Mayers, the other batsman who came to recognition after his heroics in Bangladesh in January was next into bat. He paired up with Braithwaite. Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were bowling tight lines throughout. They made things difficult for the Caribbeans.
2nd Session: –
The most eventful overs were just after lunch. The all-important wicket of the settled Braithwaite was taken by Nauman Ali. Braithwaite went to cut the ball and ended up being caught at a short point. This was a big blow. The next spell was by Hassan Ali. Jason Holder and Mayers the last recognized batting pair of the West Indies was batting decently well. Mayers attacked Faheem Ashraf the Pakistani all-rounder. At 151-6, Mayers’ catch was dropped at SMO off Nauman. Finally, Mayers’ resistance was ended by Shaheen who deserved the wicket. Mayers’ nicked the ball through to the keeper, Rizwan.
And from then on it was downwards. Only Jason Holder tried to hold ground. However, the rain had a few plans to interfere. Right after the wicket of Mayers, the rain became heavier. The rain had stopped play from 1:55 pm to 2:45 pm local time. After losing out on 50 minutes the game resumed. And then on it was all uphill for the Asians. They captured the remaining 3 wickets within 20-25 overs and wrapped up the test match. It was Shaheen and his fast-bowling precision which took the game away from the West Indians.