WI Select XI Is in Trouble Against Pakistan As Bowlers Drive Command In Tarouba

TAROUBA: WI Select XI is in trouble against Pakistan after the hosts ended the third day of the four-day warm-up match on 268-8, still requiring another 187 runs to avoid a first-innings deficit at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Pakistan's bowlers shared the wickets after the tourists declared on a commanding 455-4, leaving the home side under pressure heading into the final day.

Pakistan's Bowlers Keep Control

The West Indies innings never gathered sustained momentum despite a couple of notable partnerships. Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul laid a solid foundation with a half-century before spinner Ali Usman broke through. The left-arm spinner struck again later to deny Kavem Hodge a century after the middle-order batter produced the highest score of the innings with 92.

Lower-order contributions from Jyd Goolie and captain Jomel Warrican ensured the innings remained alive at stumps, but Pakistan continued to dictate the contest. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali finished as the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Ali Usman and Aamir Jamal picked up two each.

Pakistan's Batters Laid the Platform

Pakistan's dominance stemmed from an imposing first innings built around multiple significant contributions rather than a single standout performance. Azan Awais converted his overnight score into a century before retiring hurt, while Babar Azam followed with his own hundred after taking over the innings during the second day.

Young batter Abdullah Fazal added a composed fifty, and useful contributions from Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal carried Pakistan beyond the 450-run mark before the declaration came.

Positive Signs Before Test Series

The warm-up fixture has provided Pakistan with valuable match time ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies national cricket team. The top order occupied the crease for long periods, while both the pace attack and spin department found consistent success after switching to the field.

With one day remaining, Pakistan remain firmly in command and will look to finish the practice match on a positive note before the opening Test.