West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves produced a career-best bowling performance to put his side in command against Pakistan after claiming a sensational maiden five-wicket haul on day three of the Test match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Greaves finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 27, helping West Indies dismiss Pakistan for 282 and secure a valuable 29-run first-innings lead after posting 311 in their opening innings.
Justin Greaves Stars With Maiden Five-Wicket Haul
Pakistan resumed their innings after lunch on 267/8, hoping to erase the deficit, but Greaves struck immediately by dismissing Mohammad Abbas without scoring to complete his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Lower-order batter Khurram Shahzad battled hard with 19 runs from 36 deliveries, but veteran pacer Kemar Roach wrapped up the innings to hand West Indies a narrow but significant advantage.
Roach and Shamar Joseph claimed two wickets each, while Jayden Seales contributed one wicket in an impressive all-round bowling effort.
Shan Masood’s Century Goes in Vain
Earlier in the day, Pakistan looked well placed thanks to an excellent partnership between Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha, who added 47 runs for the fourth wicket.
Masood reached his seventh Test century, scoring a superb 109 off 184 balls, including 12 boundaries, marking his first hundred since stepping down as Pakistan’s Test captain.
However, West Indies fought back strongly after Shamar Joseph bowled Agha for 20, before Greaves ripped through the middle order.
West Indies Turn the Match Around
Following Masood’s dismissal, Greaves continued his destructive spell by removing Aamir Jamal, debutant Ali Usman, and Mohammad Rizwan, reducing Pakistan from a solid position to 259/8.
His remarkable spell shifted the momentum completely in West Indies’ favour and ensured the hosts entered the second innings with the upper hand.
West Indies Eye Match Control
With a 29-run first-innings lead, West Indies are now well positioned to build a commanding advantage in the fourth innings, while Pakistan will need an inspired bowling display to remain in the contest.
Greaves’ outstanding performance has not only given West Indies control of the Test but also highlighted his growing importance in the Caribbean bowling attack.
