Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan on Saturday resumed the fight after hitting unbeaten half-centuries to help Pakistan overcome Jayden Seals’ three-wicket blast, a day earlier on the opening day of the first Test in Multan, and reach 143-4.
The second day began with a half-hour delay in the morning due to fog which wiped out play in the entire first session on the first day.
Captain Shan Masood’s decision to bat at a fog-filled Multan Cricket Ground appeared to backfire as Pakistan slipped to 46-4 when Seales dismissed Babar Azam, who was caught behind.
Shakeel (56) and Rizwan (51) backed Pakistan to a 97-run stand for the unbroken fifth wicket before bad light stopped play.
West Indies started off with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie down the track which provided a huge turn for the wicket on day one but it was Seales who weakened Pakistan’s top order.
Opener Mohammed Herrera hit a six before he edged West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach, who also made his Test debut in the match.
Kamran Ghulam (five) dropped lbw after not offering a single shot to an incoming delivery from Seals, who went on to dismiss Babar, who fell behind.
After a lengthy conversation with Saud, Babar, who made eight, decided to review the decision. Replays confirmed that he had hit the ball and Pakistan lost the review.
“We need to keep playing good football,” Sills told broadcasters after today’s match.
“As spinners or fast bowlers, there is always something on the field for us. It’s just about bowling good balls as long as possible.
“I think 250 points is probably a good result on this pitch.”