Pakistan edged back into a position of strength after the third day at Tarouba produced 14 wickets and left the first Test heading towards an early finish.
The visitors began the morning with Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha at the crease, three wickets down and just over 100 runs behind West Indies’ first innings score. By stumps, the balance remained poised, with the hosts seven wickets down and holding a lead of 155.
Pakistan were dismissed after gaining a 29 run advantage, largely because of an outstanding spell from Justin Greaves. The West Indies all rounder claimed a career best five wicket haul, ripping through the lower order after Masood and Agha had spent the opening session building patiently.
Masood reached his seventh Test century with a controlled stroke through cover, but the match changed rapidly once Shamar Joseph removed Agha with a delivery that straightened and crashed into off stump. Greaves then forced Masood to drag the ball onto his wickets before removing Aamer Jamal, debutant Ali Usman and Mohammad Rizwan. His burst included five wickets across five consecutive maiden overs.
West Indies entered their second innings with a small cushion, but Mohammad Abbas quickly shifted the pressure back onto them. The seamer removed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge during a precise opening spell, while Mohammad Ali dismissed Amir Jangoo with a sharp return catch. The hosts went to tea on 30 for 3.
Shai Hope briefly attacked Khurram Shahzad but lost his middle stump after advancing and attempting an ambitious shot. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Greaves then added 37 valuable runs before Pakistan regained control late in the day.
Aamer Jamal dismissed Chanderpaul with a rising delivery, while Abbas and Shahzad removed Greaves and Roston Chase. However, Shamar Joseph delivered an important counterattack, striking Jamal for three sixes and pushing the lead beyond 150.
Joseph and Kemar Roach ended the day with an unbeaten 32 run stand, ensuring West Indies still have hope of setting Pakistan a demanding fourth innings target. With three wickets remaining and the surface continuing to favour bowlers, the opening Test remains delicately balanced.
