Sunday, May 22, 2011

Pakistan on top=Tanvir shines with bat and ball to leave


BASSETERRE, St Kitts: Tanvir Ahmed scored a maiden 50 and then took a wicket in his first over as Pakistan wrested back the initiative from West Indies on the second day of the second test on Saturday.
Resuming on their overnight first innings total of 180 for six, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 272 with tailender Tanvir hammering 10 fours in a 96-ball 57.
The 32-year-old then struck with the second delivery of the West Indies reply when Lendl Simmons, on the drive, was caught at second slip by Taufeeq Umar for no score.
Although Marlon Samuels, batting at number five, compiled a patient 57, the home side lost wickets at regular intervals before ending the day at 184-8, still 88 runs behind.
West Indies, who lead Pakistan 1-0 in the two-match series, were in control overnight and tightened their grip before lunch as they reduced the visitors to 194-9.
However, Tanvir and Saeed Ajmal (23) shared in a dogged 10th-wicket stand of 78 to guide Pakistan beyond the 250-mark before Tanvir was trapped in front by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for a test best of 57.
After the early dismissal of Simmons, teenage test debutant Kraigg Brathwaite (15), Darren Bravo (24) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (20) each established themselves at the crease for West Indies without going on to register a big score.
Samuels was the only batsman to provide sustained resistance before he was removed in the 56th over.
After hitting two sixes and seven fours in 123 balls, Samuels attempted another huge blow over the boundary off Saeed Ajmal’s off-spin but he was caught by a diving Taufeeq Umar at long-off.
Kemar Roach, 10 not out, and Ravi Rampaul, unbeaten on 15, then guided West Indies to the close.
Pakistan, who have never won a series in the Caribbean in six previous visits, lost the opening test in the two-match series.

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