So Pakistan began the day behind, with the West Indies at 275-4, and Brian Lara at 125 and in fine fiddle. They had something to cheer
for, getting Sarwan out on the last ball of the previous day as he was looking
quite confident at a slow and steady 55.
They ran into trouble early on the day with Dinesh Kaneria being cited
for bowling too close to the wicket and stepping into the danger zone.
Having their only strike bowler being taken away must have been
frightening, but Pakistan responded with fire. Shabbir Ahmed took
three good wickets, sending the in-form and dangerous Lara, Browne and
Powell back to the pavilion with the new ball. Shahid Afridi chipped
away, and ended up taking the last three wickets to fall, including
the threatening Hinds.
All in all, it was a nice recovery by Pakistan to restrict the West
Indies to 404 all out, and a lead of only 30. Kamran Akmal acquitted
himself well, after the dashing 49 in the first inning, and 5 well
taken catches. Shahid Afridi is truly declaring himself as an all
rounder to reckon with, with 3 more wickets in the first inning.
Pakistan need a good start and some good partnerships for the early
wickets to pull ahead. With two and a third days to go, a result is
definitely in the cards. Pakistan has to drive hard, as they are
behind and desparately need a result.
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