Brathwaite smashes 97 as West Indies take 1st innings lead

KINGSTON: West Indies took 36 runs first innings lead on Day three of the first Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park on Saturday.

In reply to Pakistan's first-innings total of 217 all out, the hosts were 251/8 in 87 overs and having a lead of 34 runs at stumps on second day, but lost last two wickets early on Saturday. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite played a brilliant knock of 97 and put on 96-run partnership with Jason Holder (58) for the sixth wicket.

Brathwaite defied the Pakistan bowlers for just over six hours as he faced 221 balls and hit 12 fours before he was run out attempting a second run.

Holder was out earlier for 58. He reached his half century from 95 balls with nine fours and was looking solid when he reached forward to a full ball from Faheem Ashraf which nipped away late, took a faint edge and carried to Mohammad Rizwan.

Earlier, Brathwaite put on 50 with overnight partner Roston Chase (21) for the third wicket, followed immediately by a stand of 49 with Jermaine Blackwood, who made 22 with four boundaries. However Blackwood's dismissal to Shaheen Afridi was followed next ball by the dismissal of Kyle Mayers, tilting the balance of the contest Pakistan's way. Holder then joined the captain and the two rescued the innings.

Pakistan were 50 for 1 in 20 overs in their second innings in the first session on Day 3.

Brief scores: Pakistan 1st innings 217 in 70.3 overs vs West Indies 1st innings 253 in 89.4 overs (K Brathwaite 97, J Holder 58; M Abbas 3/43, S Afridi 4/59). IANS

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