Bravo keeps West Indies afloat in first Test

October 17, 2016 in Sports

darren-bravo-1DUBAI: 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).