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Noman Helps Pakistan Bounce Back After West Indies' Fast Start
Noman Helps Pakistan Bounce Back After West Indies' Fast Start
Brathwaite fifty, lower order set Pakistan tricky 254 as WI look to level series
The West Indies had their best batting performance of the series so far, led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite's half-century. By lunch, they were at 129/5, having led by 101 runs with nine wickets at one point. Pakistan fought back in the final 45 minutes, taking four wickets to keep their hopes alive of chasing a total below 200.
Brathwaite encouraged his team to be more aggressive, hitting Sajid Khan for a six in the fifth over and starting Noman Ali's spell with consecutive boundaries. He set the tone, but Pakistan's spinners slowly brought them back into the game.
Abrar Ahmed was also targeted early but managed to draw a mistake from Mikyle Louis, leading to a straightforward catch by Shan Masood.
Though Brathwaite hit another six, his pace slowed as he approached his half-century. Amir Jangoo, a debutant, added two boundaries in an over. However, Pakistan's spinners struck back when Brathwaite misjudged an extra turn and was dismissed. This was a sign of things to come as Kavem Hodge fell similarly before lunch.
Sajid Khan dismissed Jangoo soon after, who misjudged a sweep, and West Indies found themselves with two new batters at the crease.
The final over before lunch saw a successful appeal by Noman Ali, leaving West Indies' position less secure than it seemed an hour earlier.