West Indies breaks winless streak
The West Indies Senior Cricket team finally gave their fans something to smile about when they completed a 40 run triumph over Pakistan in the First Test played at the New Providence Stadium in Guyana.{{more}}
Chasing 219 for victory, Pakistan was dismissed for 178, shortly after lunch on Sunday, the fourth day of the five – day test.
And, it was fitting that the much maligned captain, Darren Sammy, played a decisive part in the outcome, as he snared 5 for 29, from 17 menacing overs, seven of which were maidens.
He bowled Saeed Ajmal to deliver the final rite.
Pakistan started the fourth day on 80 for 3, but Ravi Rampaul bowled Asid Shafiq for 42, which tilted the balance back into the regional sideâs favour.
A fifth wicket partnership of 52 between Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal, who made 52 and 47 respectively, was ended when Sammy trapped Misbah lbw, with the score on 135.
Sammy, who was later named Man of the Match, proceeded to mop up the tail, to give West Indies its first win in a test in 17 matches, stretching from February 2009, when they crushed England by an innings and 23 runs at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
It was also the first test win in Guyana, since 1998, when West Indies beat England by 242 runs at Bourda.
The match added another piece of history, as it notched up the most lbw dismissals in a test, 20.
Additionally, Sammyâs men extended Pakistanâs drought of a series win in on Caribbean soil.
A result for either team was set up on the opening day, Thursday, when it was evident that the pitch was keeping low and favoured the slow bowlers.
The West Indies, opting to bat first, scored 226. Lendl Simmons led the way for the home team with 49. Saeed Ajmal 5 for 69, Mohammed Hafeez 2 for 22, and Addur Rehman 2 for 46, were the wicket takers for the Pakistanis.
In reply, Pakistan was dismissed for 160. Addhur Rehman made 40 not out, Azhar Ali 34 and Umar Akmal 33.
Davendra Bishoo, in his maiden test, bagged 4 for 69, Rampaul 3 for 27 and Sammy 2 for 16.
With a lead of 66, the West Indies second innings failed to ignite, and it took the dogged Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who made 36 not out, and Bishoo 24, to help their team to some respectability.
The pair came together at 104 for 9, and added a vital 48 runs for the last wicket.
Ajmal bagged 6 for 42, to finish with match figures of 11 for 111. The second and final test starts this Friday, at Warner Park in St. Kitts & Nevis. (RT)
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