Pakistan Falters in the 254 Chase as Brathwaite, the Lower Order, and the Spinners Propel the West Indies Ahead
Pakistan Falters in the 254 Chase as Brathwaite

On the second day of the second Test match at Multan, the West Indies reduced Pakistan to 76 for 4, bringing them one win away from tying the series. The pressure is increasing as Pakistan chases a challenging target of 254 runs, with 178 more needed to win.
West Indies have taken charge with a dominant batting display spearheaded by captain Kraigg Brathwaite and help from the lower order. The match is far from over, though, as Pakistan's spinners have kept them in the game.
Brathwaite's Leadership Helps the West Indies Take Charge
Brathwaite led from the front earlier in the day as the West Indies put on their finest batting display of the series. Although his 52 runs were crucial, West Indies' victory was mainly due to the efforts of the lower order. Join billy 777 login for more cricket news.
Early in the innings, Brathwaite's aggressive style established the mood. In the fifth over, he hit Sajid Khan for a six-over long-on, and then he hit two straight boundaries off Noman Ali. Even though Pakistan's spinners posed a continual danger, these shots demonstrated his desire to dominate the game.
Both his offense and defense demonstrated Brathwaite's optimism. He refused to let Pakistan's bowlers settle and always tried to apply pressure.
Amir Jangoo, a rookie, equaled his aggression and gave the game momentum with a fast 29. Pakistan's spinners began to gain ground when Noman Ali's extra turn dismissed Brathwaite, but the visitors' lower order held firm.
The Battle of Pakistan in the Chase
Knowing that the mark would be difficult to reach, particularly on a pitch giving the spinners some help, Pakistan started their chase under challenging conditions. Both openers, Shan Masood and Mohammad Hurraira, were removed cheaply in the opening few overs, which led to a terrible start to their chase.
Hurraira was trapped in front by Gudakesh Motie's straight ball, just like Masood, who was bowled out by Kevin Sinclair while playing for a turn.
After the score was tied at two for two, Pakistan needed to rebuild, so Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam decided to help. The pair established a slow but steady partnership, ensuring they did not lose any more wickets in the first few overs, although Ghulam was lucky to survive a drop early on.
Ghulam's luck, however, ran out as he could not reach the pitch of a ball from Jomel Warrican, resulting in a straightforward catch to backward point.
As a result, Pakistan's top spinner, Saud Shakeel, came to the wicket. Shakeel tried to play through the end of the day with Babar. Sinclair dealt the alliance a devastating hit as it appeared to be stabilizing.
Babar Azam captured the inside edge of a ball with extra bounce and turn at short leg. Pakistan's aspirations were crushed with the dismissal, and the job at hand appeared overwhelming at 76 for 4.
Lower Order Fights Back in the West Indies
The West Indies lower order again held tight after losing essential wickets. Pakistan was optimistic when Mikyle Louis left for a quick catch at short extra cover, but the opposition persisted.
Although Brathwaite's exit in the following over indicated a change in the game's balance, the tailenders performed their duties, and debutant Jangoo's 29 was crucial in maintaining the pace.
Despite getting crucial wickets, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali could not establish themselves fast enough to contain the lower order.
Pakistan was further irritated when Alick Athanaze was sent back with an LBW judgment shortly after Justin Greaves' reverse sweep was caught at backward point.
The lower-order batsmen, particularly Tevin Imlach and Sinclair, dug in and batted cautiously, as has been the case throughout the series.
During their nearly 14-over partnership, the West Indies established a lead that appeared to be getting harder for Pakistan to overcome.
The Spinners of Pakistan Keep Fighting
Pakistan's spinners continued to exert pressure even as the lower order recovered. Noman Ali's spin kept things tight, and Sajid Khan was very busy, dismissing Jangoo and Brathwaite in quick succession.
Pakistan was able to stop the run flow and take wickets, but every breakthrough was matched by another strong performance from the lower order.
When Sinclair mishandled a delivery from Sajid, playing all around it and watching the ball hit the stumps, the breakthrough came unexpectedly.
Although it was a momentous occasion, Pakistan's issues did not end with it. Soon after, quick bowler Kashif Ali dismissed Imlach.
But once again, the tailenders proved to be a pain in Pakistan's side. Before Sajid finished the innings, Kemar Roach, despite being injured, hobbled out to bat and helped the West Indies surpass 250. Motie and Warrican then contributed another 27 runs.
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Gazing Towards the Future
Pakistan still has to win by 178 runs by the end of play, but it looks like an overwhelming job with just six wickets left. With a commanding lead and a well-rounded team performance, the West Indies have given themselves a good chance of tying the series.
If Pakistan wants to regain the game, its spinners will have to start hitting early. The upcoming sessions will be crucial in ascertaining whether they can pursue the aim or whether the West Indies can achieve a decisive victory. The final day looks to be an exciting end to a fiercely contested match because the game is perfectly set.
In conclusion, Pakistan's spinners are still struggling to keep their team in the game, even though Brathwaite's leadership and the contributions of the lower order have put the West Indies in a strong position. There is still much to play for, even though pursuing 254 could feel overwhelming.
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