Dominica Test: Centurion Azhar guides Pakistan to solid first innings' total

Roseau [Dominica], May 12 (ANI): Opener Azhar Ali struck his 14th Test century while skipper Misbah-ul-Haq smashed a half-century to anchor Pakistan to a decent first innings total of 376, as the tourists batted with exaggerated care on the second Day Two of the third and final Test against the West Indies here at the Windsor Park last evening. At stumps, West Indies begun their first innings and reached 14 for no loss after openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell negotiated 11 overs in the series deciding Test. Resuming on opening day's score of 169-4, Azhar, who also scored a century during his side's 106-run defeat in the second Test, smashed eight boundaries and two sixes in his 127-run knock before his innings was brought to an end by off-spinner Roston Chase. However, retiring captain Misbah-ul-Haq (59), who, like Younis Khan, was welcomed to the crease with a guard of honour from the Caribbean side, and Sarfraz Ahmed (51) kept the tourist's scoreboard ticking after lunch. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 376 runs in their first innings. Earlier, Younis , who is also playing his last Test, had a short stay at the crease as he was trapped lbw by skipper Jason Holder for 18, while Babar Azam contributed significant 55 on the opening day. Chase was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, finishing with the figures of four for 103 while Holder took three wickets for 71, including two wickets off consecutive deliveries after tea that ended any reasonable prospect for Pakistan getting to a total in excess of 400. Devendra Bishoo and Alzarri Joseph bagged two and a wicket respectively. (ANI)