Masood 88* and Imam 63 lift Pakistan to 199/3, still 112 behind West Indies

Shan Masood's unbeaten 88 and Imam-ul-Haq's 63 propelled Pakistan to 199/3 on Day 2 of the first Test, leaving them 112 runs short of West Indies' 311. Their 155-run partnership repaired the innings after an early setback and put the visitors in a much stronger position.

The match entered its second day with West Indies having posted 311, a total anchored by Shai Hope's 92. Mohammad Ali finished the West Indies innings with four wickets for Pakistan. Pakistan's reply tested early resilience before the middle-order pair consolidated with a lengthy stand that dominated the afternoon session.

Masood and Imam combined for a 155-run partnership that steadied Pakistan following the loss of an early wicket. Masood remained not out on 88 while Imam contributed 63 to the recovery. Their collaboration occupied significant time at the crease and altered the momentum after Pakistan’s initial stumble.

West Indies' first-innings platform was largely built around Shai Hope, who scored 92 to take the home side to 311. Mohammad Ali finished with four wickets for Pakistan as the bowling attack extracted crucial breakthroughs during the innings. Those wickets allowed Pakistan to keep the contest competitive and ensured the match remained in the balance going into the second day.

At 199/3, Pakistan still trailed by 112, but the unbeaten contributions from Masood and Imam curtailed any early collapse. Masood's 88 not out stood as the leading figure in the reply, with Imam's 63 providing solid support. The pair’s stand erased much of the pressure that followed the early dismissal.

The remainder of the game will continue to hinge on whether Pakistan can convert the current foundation into a lead or if West Indies’ bowlers can force another shift in momentum. For now, the scoreboard reads Pakistan 199/3, West Indies 311, with Masood unbeaten on 88 and Imam on 63 as Day 2 concludes.