Pakistan levelled their Test series against the West Indies as a Shaheen Afridi masterclass led them to a 109-run victory in Kingston on Tuesday.
Shaheen’s career-best bowling figures of 6-51 helped put the balance firmly in Pakistan’s favour heading into the final day, and he was on point again with another four wickets to round off the triumph.
The Windies needed 280 runs at the start of the day’s play, with nine wickets remaining, but after meeting initial resistance, Shaheen struck to get the ball rolling.
He finished with figures of 4-43 for the innings, taking his match haul to 10 wickets.
Alzarri Joseph (17) was the first Windies batsman to fall, with Nkrumah Bonner and Roston Chase swiftly following suit, both to Hasan Ali (2-37).
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored 39 from 147 deliveries (and 250 minutes at the crease), was dismissed early in the afternoon session, leaving Pakistan on the verge of victory before tea, yet the Windies fought back again, with a rain delay then threatening to halt their procession.
Thankfully for the tourists, the inclement weather did not hold, and when they returned for the final session, it was Shaheen who offered the inspiration, drawing an edge from the impressive Kyle Mayers (32), with Jason Holder’s subsequent dismissal on 47 leaving the Windies with little chance.
Shaheen finished things off, sending Kemar Roach and Joshua Da Silva packing in the space of two overs to ensure the series ended on level terms.
