West Indies move 155 ahead after Pakistan collapse in Trinidad Test

West Indies ended the third day of the first Test in Trinidad with a 155-run lead after Pakistan’s batting folded dramatically and the hosts then survived a late fightback to reach 126-7 in their second innings.

Pakistan had looked set to take control when they advanced to 244-3 in reply to West Indies’ first-innings 311, but the innings unraveled quickly as they were dismissed for 282. The collapse handed the home side a 29-run advantage.

Justin Greaves was central to that turnaround, finishing with career-best Test figures of 5-27. Shan Masood, who had anchored Pakistan’s innings with his seventh Test century, was bowled by Greaves for 109 after batting for more than five hours, facing 184 balls and hitting 12 fours. Pakistan then lost seven wickets for 38 runs as West Indies seized the initiative.

Shamar Joseph had earlier broken a 47-run fourth-wicket partnership by bowling Salman Agha, before Greaves ran through the middle and lower order. Pakistan’s innings was eventually closed when Kemar Roach removed Khurram Shahzad with the second new ball.

Pakistan responded strongly with the ball in the final session, led by Mohammad Abbas. After taking 3-63 in the first innings, the pacer struck twice early in West Indies’ second innings, dismissing Brandon King for five and Kavem Hodge for nought in his third over.

Those wickets also took Abbas’ Test bowling average down to 22.78, better than the 22.81 of Imran Khan, the previous best among Pakistan bowlers. Abbas, who debuted in Tests against West Indies in 2017, now has 115 wickets in 30 matches.

Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul said the attack had improved after a difficult opening day. He said, "We didn't execute our plans the way we should have on the first day but for the second day and the second innings our bowlers hit the right areas and bowled a bit up (fuller)." Praising Abbas, Gul added, "He is so experienced. He's played a lot of red ball cricket and is not only leading from the front but is helping the younger bowlers as well."

Greaves also made 20 in the second innings before he was caught by Pakistan captain Babar Azam at cover to give Abbas his third wicket. By stumps, Kemar Roach was holding firm, while Shamar Joseph had added late impetus with an unbeaten 22 featuring three sixes, leaving the fourth day finely poised on an increasingly uneven pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.