Pakistan lost four early wickets, including that of star batter Babar Azam, on the second day of the second Test against West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium, as they struggled to chase a 254-run target.
Babar came to the crease after captain Shan Masood was dismissed for two runs by Kevin Sinclair. Opener Kamran Ghulam followed him shortly, falling for two runs to Gudakesh Motie.
Babar scored a crucial 31 runs, and fans were hopeful he could lead Pakistan to the target, but Sinclair struck again, halting Pakistan’s recovery.
The day ended with Kamran Ghulam and nightwatchman Kashif Ali at the crease, with scores of 13 and 1, respectively, leaving Pakistan needing 178 more runs to win.
Earlier, West Indies played with aggression to set Pakistan a target of 254.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite led the fight for the visitors with a gritty 52 runs.
The last four wickets added a valuable 99 runs before the visitors were dismissed for 244 in their second innings during tea.
West Indies is aiming for a series-levelling victory after losing the first Test by 127 runs at the same venue.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali starred with 4 wickets for 80 runs, while his partner Sajid Khan claimed 4 wickets for 76 runs.
West Indies were 129-5 at lunch, when Noman dismissed Alick Athanaze for 6, but the tourists continued to fight.
Tevin Imlach scored 35 runs and Kevin Sinclair contributed 28, helping their team extend the lead during a stubborn partnership for the seventh wicket. Sajid removed both Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie.
Pakistan now needs 178 more runs to secure the win, while the last pair of Jomel Warrican and Kemar Roach pushed the total past 240.
