Sixteen wickets fell on the fourth day of the first Test as Devendra Bishoo's extraordinary 8/49 brought West Indies back into the contest after bowling Pakistan out for a measly 123 in their second innings. Bishoo's feats followed leg-spinner Yasir Shah took figures of 5/121 as Pakistan took a massive first innings lead, bowling West Indies out for 357. Being set a target of 346, the West Indies were 95/2 at stumps.
The evening started with Yasir Shah polishing off the West Indies tail in no time, getting his 100th wicket in the process. Achieving the feat in only his 17th Test, the 31-year-old spinner became the joint second fastest in history, joining Australians Charlie Turner, Clarrie Grimmett and England's Sydney Barnes.
Pakistan were reduced for 20/2 as Shannon Gabriel and Bishoo removed Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq respectively. Rookie batsmen Sami Aslam and Babar Azam shrugged off the sticky situation by playing fluent drives. The cataclysmic collapse came out of nowhere, and it was a mix of smart bowling by Bishoo and rash decision making from the batsmen. Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for just 46 runs. Bishoo registered the best figures by an overseas bowler on Asian soil.
Pakistan. fortunately, did have a huge first innings lead to fall back on. West Indies' top order, yet again showed character. Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and the well set Leon Johnson fell to outstanding deliveries from Mohammad Amir. West Indies hopes ride on overnight pair Darren Bravo and Marlon Samuels, their two best batsmen.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 579/3 (Azhar Ali 302 not out, Sami Aslam 90; Devedra Bishoo 2/125) & 123 (Sami Aslam 44; Devendra Bishoo 8/49) lead West Indies 357 (Darren Bravo 87, Marlon Samuels 76; Yasir Shah 5/121) & 95/2 (Leon Johnson 47; Mohammad Amir 2/26) by 251 runs