Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test: Shan Masood Hits 109 as Pakistan Fight Back on Day 3
Tarouba, Trinidad — July 27, 2026: Pakistan produced a strong fightback on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies, with Shan Masood scoring a brilliant 109 before Pakistan’s fast bowlers struck back in the West Indies’ second innings.
The match, being played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, remains finely balanced. At the end of Day 3, the West Indies were 126 for 7 in their second innings and held an overall lead of 155 runs.
Shan Masood Leads Pakistan’s Batting Fight
Resuming Pakistan’s first innings, Shan Masood continued his excellent batting performance and completed his seventh Test century. The left-handed batter scored a patient 109 runs from 184 balls, including 12 fours.
Masood’s century was one of the highlights of Pakistan’s innings. He had started the day unbeaten on 88 and successfully reached the three-figure mark before his determined innings eventually came to an end.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 282, giving the West Indies a narrow 29-run first-innings lead after the hosts had made 311 in their opening innings.
Greaves Shines for West Indies
Justin Greaves was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He finished with impressive figures of 5 for 27, helping his team dismiss Pakistan for 282.
Pakistan also received useful contributions from Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 63, while Khurram Shahzad added 19 runs in the lower order.
Pakistan Pacers Strike Back
Despite conceding a first-innings lead, Pakistan’s bowlers responded brilliantly when the West Indies began their second innings.
Experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was the star performer, taking 3 wickets for just 14 runs in 13 overs, including six maiden overs. Khurram Shahzad also made an important contribution with two wickets.
The Pakistan pace attack quickly put pressure on the West Indies batting lineup. Brandon King was dismissed for 5, while Kavem Hodge, who had scored 84 in the first innings, was removed without scoring.
Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase also fell as Pakistan reduced the hosts to 93 for 7.
Shamar Joseph Provides Late Resistance
Just when Pakistan appeared to be taking complete control, Shamar Joseph launched an aggressive counterattack late in the day.
Joseph remained unbeaten on 22 from only 13 balls, hitting three sixes. His late hitting helped the West Indies reach 126 for 7 at stumps, extending their overall lead to 155 runs.
Kemar Roach was unbeaten alongside Joseph on 5, leaving Pakistan with three West Indies wickets to take on Day 4.
Match Situation at the End of Day 3
West Indies 1st innings: 311 all out
Pakistan 1st innings: 282 all out
West Indies 2nd innings: 126/7
West Indies overall lead: 155 runs
Top Performers
- Shan Masood: 109 runs
- Imam-ul-Haq: 63 runs
- Justin Greaves: 5/27
- Mohammad Abbas: 3/14
- Khurram Shahzad: 2/36
- Shamar Joseph: 22*
What to Expect on Day 4
The fourth day could be crucial in deciding the direction of the Test. Pakistan will want to dismiss the remaining West Indies batters quickly and restrict the target to a manageable total.
The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to extend their lead and put Pakistan under pressure with a difficult fourth-innings chase. With the pitch and match conditions becoming increasingly important, both teams still have a realistic chance of taking control.
Conclusion
Shan Masood’s excellent 109 gave Pakistan an important boost on Day 3, while the team’s fast bowlers produced a superb response in the final session. Mohammad Abbas led the attack with three wickets, helping Pakistan reduce the West Indies to 126/7.
The West Indies still lead by 155 runs, but Pakistan’s late bowling surge has kept the match wide open. With three wickets remaining in the West Indies’ second innings, Day 4 promises to be a decisive chapter in this exciting Test battle.
