Pakistan suffered a familiar batting capitulation, but their fast bowlers came roaring back to keep their side alive in the first cricket Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Monday.

Resuming on the third morning at 199 for three in reply to the West Indies’ 311, Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for 38 runs to be sent packing for 282 all-out after being 244 for three at one stage. With a 29-run first-innings lead under their belt, the West Indies closed the third day’s play at 126 for seven to lead by 155 runs with three second-innings wickets in hand.

Pakistan’s chronic batting collapse overshadowed an excellent century by opener Shan Masood, who started the day at 88 and was the fourth batter out after scoring 109. He eventually ran out of lifelines when he played a Justin Greaves delivery onto his off-stump to become one of the five victims of the West Indies fast bowler.

This was Shan’s seventh Test century in his 47th Test and his first since he scored 145 against South Africa at Newlands in the New Year Test of 2025. It was also his first century against the West Indies, and he now has three-figure scores against Bangladesh (1), England (2), South Africa (1), and Sri Lanka (2).

After Shan scored his first 50 runs from 46 balls, his second half-century came from 117 balls, a reflection of how he changed gears. He intelligently exploited the new ball by taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers and then dropped anchor to ensure he occupied the crease for as long as practically possible. His 184-ball knock during 310 minutes at the crease included 12 fours.

However, Shan’s effort, grind, and hard work were thrown away by the Pakistan middle-order, who once again demonstrated their inability to play high-quality pace, swing, and accurate bowling – this time by the West Indies trio of Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach, and Shamar Joseph.

After Joseph disturbed the furniture behind Salman Ali Agha (20), Greaves took control of the proceedings and claimed his maiden five-wicket haul by accounting for Shan, Aamir Jamal (3), Ali Usman (0), Mohammad Rizwan (12), and Mohammad Abbas (0). Roach wrapped up the innings when he picked up his second wicket by dismissing Khurram Shahzad, who scored an invaluable 19 and added 15 priceless runs with Mohammad Ali, who remained not out on two off 25 balls.

Thirty Extras were the other major contributor to Pakistan’s innings, including 17 leg-byes and 10 no-balls.

Despite a disappointing middle and lower-middle-order batting display, Pakistan’s fast bowlers refused to throw in the towel and reduced the West Indies to 126 for seven when stumps were drawn.

Mohammad Abbas, the slowest of the Pakistan fast bowlers, demonstrated that it is control, swing, and intelligence that matter more than speed when he followed up his three for 63 in the first innings with three for 14 from 13 overs. Abbas dismissed Brandon King (5), Kavem Hodge (0), and Justin Greaves (20).

Abbas was well-supported by his fellow fast bowlers. Mohammad Ali accounted for marathon-man Amir Jangoo (4), Khurram Shahzad dismissed an in-form West Indies captain Shai Hope (10), and Aamir Jamal picked up the scalp of top-scorer Tagenarine Chanderpaul (35). Shortly before the close of play, Khurram picked up his second wicket when he claimed the prized scalp of Roston Chase (8).

With the West Indies ahead by 155 runs and Kemar Roach (5) and Shamar Joseph (22) at the crease, Pakistan is very much alive in the game despite doing their best to throw away the Test after a horrendous batting display in the first session of the third day.

Whether the batters will learn from their mistakes and produce an improved performance in their run-chase, only time will tell. But, at the moment, all eyes will be on the Pakistan fast bowlers to wrap up the West Indies’ second innings to ensure their batters are chasing as small a target as possible.

Scores in brief (day 3 of 5):

West Indies (1st innings) 311 all-out, 98.5 overs (Shai Hope 92, Kavem Hodge 84, Shamar Joseph 23, Amir Jangoo 21, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 21; Mohammad Ali 4-50, Mohammad Abbas 3-63, Khurram Shahzad 2-66) and 126-7 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 35, Shamar Joseph 22 not out, Justin Greaves 20; Mohammad Abbas 3-14, Khurram Shahzad 2-36).

Pakistan (1st innings, overnight 199-3, 48 overs) 282 all-out, 80.1 overs (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63, Babar Azam 23, Salman Ali Agha 20, Khurram Shahzad 19, Mohammad Rizwan 12; Justin Greaves 5-27, Kemar Roach 2-53, Shamar Joseph 2-58).