Bravo keeps West Indies afloat in first Test

Pakistani cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood on the final day of the first day-night Test between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Gulf Emirate on Monday.
Pakistani cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood on the final day of the first day-night Test between Pakistan and the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Gulf Emirate on Monday.
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AFP, Dubai :
West Indies defied Pakistan’s victory bid with Darren Bravo playing another resolute knock on the fifth and final day of the first day-night Test in Dubai on Monday.
At tea Bravo was unbeaten on 46 off a 115-minute stay and with him Roston Chase (21) having added 38 for the fifth wicket stand to thwart Pakistan’s spin-cum pace attack on a weary Dubai stadium pitch.
Bravo, who had made 87 in West Indies first innings total of 357, has so far hit three boundaries and a six and has been the main hurdle between Pakistan and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
West Indies still need another 192 runs for an unlikely victory.
Chase, famous for his 137 not out at Jamaica which helped West Indies draw a Test against India in July this year, has so far batted without any problems.
But West Indies were in trouble right from the start when they resumed at 95-2 as Mohammad Amir had Marlon Samuels caught behind for four with the first ball of the day.
Jermaine Blackwood (15) helped Bravo took the total to 116 when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz trapped him leg-before, a decision Pakistan only got on referral.
Pakistan did not get what was expected from leg-spinner Yasir Shah as he bowled faster rather than giving flight to the ball.
Shah, who took 5-121 in the first innings, has yet to take a wicket in the innings.
The remaining two Tests will be played in Abu Dhabi (October 21-25) and Sharjah (October 30-November 3).

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