Off-spinner Sajid Khan took four wickets to help Pakistan move towards victory in the second Test. Photo: PCB
Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan said the team will look to continue their strong bowling performance on the fourth day of the second Test and aim to dismiss West Indies quickly after putting themselves in a strong position.
Speaking at the post-match press conference after the third day’s play, Sajid said Pakistan’s priority would be to take the remaining West Indies wickets in the first session and give their batsmen the best possible chance of chasing the target.
“We will try to get them out early in the first session tomorrow and help our batsmen. If that does not happen, we will try not to let them score runs freely,” Sajid said.
Pakistan fought back with the ball after Abdullah Shafique’s unbeaten 160 helped them post 387 in the first innings. Sajid played a key role with figures of 4-32, while debutant Ali Usman claimed two wickets as West Indies ended the day on 103-6, holding a lead of 60 runs.
Sajid said Pakistan’s spin strength could be crucial on a pitch offering turn and variable bounce. The visitors are playing with two spinners, Sajid and Ali Usman, while West Indies have one spinner, Jomel Warrican, along with three fast bowlers.
He said the extra spin option could help Pakistan exploit the conditions and put further pressure on the West Indies batting lineup.
Discussing the conditions, Sajid said the bowlers benefited from moisture early in the day when there was limited sunshine, but the surface continued to offer assistance.
“In the first two hours there was no sun, so we were getting moisture and benefiting from it. After that, whatever bowling we did, the pitch kept helping us. This is not a wicket where there is no turn,” he said.
The spinner added that batsmen who spent time at the crease were able to score runs, pointing to West Indies players Roston Chase and Justin Greaves.
“Whoever took time on this pitch was able to score runs. Whether it was Chase or Greaves, both of them settled in and scored runs,” Sajid said.
Sajid also praised Ali Usman, who claimed the wicket of West Indies captain Roston Chase with the final delivery of the day.
“Ali Usman is a great addition. I was very happy that he got a wicket on the last ball. Hopefully tomorrow he takes wickets and I take wickets too,” he said.
Pakistan will look to wrap up West Indies’ innings quickly on the fourth day and take a decisive step towards levelling the two-match series.
