Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Day 5 preview: History in line for Pakistan

Yasir Shah spun his web against an unpredictable West Indies line up to stall them at 264 for 9 at stumps on Day Four.

Yasir Shah spun his web against an unpredictable West Indies line up to stall them at 264 for 9 at stumps on Day Four. Earlier in the day, Shai Hope played a commendable knock of 90 taking his side to a respectable position handing a lead of 183 runs. But before the hosts could do any further damage to the Misbah-ul-Haq-led team, Yasir struck with his six-for to bring his side close to history ahead of the ultimate day of the second Test at Barbados. Full Cricket Scorecard, Pakistan vs West Indies, 2nd Test at Barbados

The priority for Pakistan would be getting the last wicket of West Indies before the lead reaches the 200-run mark. Anything above 200 can be difficult on a Day Five wicket. Also given the amount of rough patches that have been generated at the either end of the wicket, batting cannot be easy. Moreover, Pakistan have a poor record in chasing which they will have to shun if they are to win this game. The poor batting show from Pakistan in the second innings was visible in the series opener at Kingston when while chasing a target of 32, they lost 3 wickets.

Moreover, Pakistan will have to accelerate their scoring rate as well. With the amount of time their openers had taken in the first innings to get going, if they want to win this Test and script history, the scoring rate will have to improve. But this task is not going to be easy against a good bowling attack and a Day Five pitch.

The first session will be important here for West Indies. They have their lead spinner and lead pacer at the wicket. Hence these two batsmen will definitely be keeping an eye on how the ball does with Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Abbas and even Yasir on Day Five.

If these two take the lead above 200, West Indies will come up as the mental edge on the ultimate day. And given the way the hosts have fought hard, they will look to take every opportunity of this mental win and convert it into something big with the ball.

West Indies will have a clear upper hand when they take the field on Day Five. They will be hope to stretch the lead in excess of 200 and try and bowl out the volatile Pakistan with the wicket likely to be on their side.