
Click to view full size
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):The lone warm-up match ahead of the highly anticipated Test series ended in a predictable stalemate as Pakistan and a West Indies Select XI played out a draw on the final day of their four-day encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy yesterday.After four days of largely one-sided cricket, the visitors walked away with the psychological advantage, having piled on the runs against a makeshift home side that struggled to contain a formidable Pakistani batting line-up.The match was effectively decided on the first two days when Pakistan declared their first innings at a colossal 455 for the loss of just four wickets.In response, the West Indies Select XI, featuring a blend of fringe players and emerging talent, could only muster 279 runs in their first innings.The hosts’ reply was headlined by a fighting 92 from Kavem Hodge, who fell agonisingly short of a century. Tagenarine Chanderpaul showed patience and grit with a well-made 51, while Jyd Goolie remained unbeaten on 47 at the close of the innings.Pakistan’s bowling attack was led impressively by Mohammad Ali, who tore through the middle order to finish with exceptional figures of 5 for 37. Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman provided able support, chipping in with two wickets apiece.With a lead of 176 runs, Pakistan opted against enforcing the follow-on and instead chose to give their top order another workout.They closed their second innings on 219 for 4 in 60.1 overs. Awais Zafar retired not out on a dogged 128. Abdullah Faisal also retired not out on 48, and Ali Usman played a fluent knock of 41.Warrican, who, earlier, had made runs with the bat, was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies Select XI, claiming 2 for 36, while there was a wicket each for Anderson Phillip and Ojay Shields.With a draw confirmed, the focus now shifts to the official tour opener. The first Test between the touring Pakistan and the West Indies is scheduled to begin on Saturday at the same venue.
The portable companion to gazettE. Get notifications, track read articles, and more. The latest news from Trinidad and Tobago, in one place.
Related stories
See articles related to "Pakistan batting dominance sets up draw"