Test 3: Day 4: West Indies v Pakistan: Antigua.

Colin E. Croft

May 28, 2000

Tea Interval:

The West Indies have started aggressively in the hunt for that 216. They started with about five sessions and 154 overs overall to complete a famous victory. At tea, after 16 overs, they are 62-2, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 19 and Wavell Hinds on 13, including a four and a six in consecutive deliveries from Mustaq Ahmed.

Already out are Sherwin Campbell, for 06, caught at backward square-leg by Yousuf Youhana, hooking to Wasim Akram, while Adrian Griffith, for 23, was also caught at backward square-leg, by Waqar Younis this time, while hooking at Wasim.

Wasim is bowling tremendously quickly and holds the key to this game for Pakistan. With intermittent rain causing the outfield to be wet and the ball slippery, Wasim and Waqar could have extended spells.

Earlier, Pakistan had extended their lead to that tantalizing 215, thanks mainly to Inzamam-ul-Haq's 68, Yousuf Youhana's 42 and Wasim Akram's bustling 24 today. Pakistan added only 06 runs after lunch.

The Pakistani innings was ended with perhaps the "Catch of the Series", as Jimmy Adams, at mid-wicket, flung himself to his right to pull up the catch perhaps an inch from the ground as Wasim pulled violently at Reon King's bouncer.

King was the best West Indian bowler, finishing with 4-48, while Curtly Ambrose, probably playing his last game at his home ground, if not indeed his last Test game in the Caribbean, waved goodbye to the crowd with 3-39 from 21 characteristically frugal overs.

In the previous 14 Test games at the Antigua Recreation Ground, 07 have ended with a positive decision for some team or other, but the team batting last in four completed innings has only won 01 of those. The West Indies are trying to change that history.

Chasing 216 for victory, they are 62-2 at tea.

Lunch Interval:

Pakistan are battling hard to stay in this game. At lunch, Pakistan are 213-9, with Wasim Akram on 21 not out and Mushtaq Ahmed yet to score.

Waqar Younis was out just on lunch for 16, well caught at 2nd slip by Jimmy Adams from Curtly Ambrose's bowling; 213-9. Wasim and Waqar had added 27 priceless runs for the 09th wicket.

Pakistan now lead by 209 runs.

Both teams would have enjoyed the morning somewhat, as 56 runs have been scored by Pakistan, while the West Indies have taken 04 further wickets.

Pakistan had only added 05 runs when, in the 06th over, Reon King beat danger-man Yousuf Youhana for pace with a tremendous off-cutter, the ball actually hitting the batsman's pad before the bat could be deployed; Yousuf out LBW for 42; 162-6.

In the 8th over, Saqlain Mustaq and Abdur Razzaq were thoroughly confused while attempting a quick single, the return from wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs to the non-striker's end being caught by Franklyn Rose and the stumps broken; Abdur Razzaq run out for no-score; 163-7.

The 2nd new ball was taken immediately it was due and that decision brought immediate results; Saqlain Mustaq caught by Sherwin Campbell at slip from Curtly Ambrose bowling for 15; 186-8.

If Pakistan could realize a clear lead of at least 225, this game could have a tremendous finish, as the pitch is starting to play some tricks, already keeping slightly low.

With clear plans of extending that lead, Wasim, with 21 not out, must lead his junior partner, Mustaq Ahmed who is yet to score, after lunch. At the 4th day's 1st interval, Pakistan are 213-9, a lead of 209.

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Matches

West Indies v Pakistan at St John's

Series/Tournaments

Pakistan tour of West Indies

Grounds

Antigua Recreation Ground