“`html
MULTAN, Pakistan — The West Indies are in pursuit of their first Test victory in Pakistan in over three decades after their batters performed well on a challenging turning wicket, setting a target of 254 runs during the second Test on Sunday.

Pakistan’s top-order batting faltered for the second consecutive time on a pitch that heavily favored spin, concluding Day 2 at 76-4. Saud Shakeel remained not out on 13, while nightwatchman Kashif Ali was also unbeaten on 1. The hosts now require an additional 178 runs to achieve a seemingly unlikely victory on this difficult surface.

In their first test, the West Indies suffered a loss by 127 runs within just three days. Wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach missed a crucial opportunity in the day’s final moments when he could not secure a significant chance off Shakeel, which could have further hindered Pakistan’s progress.

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s leading batsman, continued his poor form at home, managing only 31 runs before off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-41) had him caught near the wicket late on Day 2.

Earlier, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite managed to score 52 runs, hitting his first half-century in his fourth innings of the series. His team’s batting strategy proved effective, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers for two sections of play, eventually bowled out for 244 and establishing a total lead of 253.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali (4-80) and Sajid Khan (4-76) were once again the primary wicket-takers, with Ali achieving an impressive total of 10 wickets in the match after securing a hat-trick in the first innings (6-41).

Imlach (35), debutant Amir Jangoo (30), and Sinclair (28) all contributed significantly, as the West Indies rallied against the home team’s spinners, leading the scoring effort initiated by Brathwaite in the morning session.

The West Indies boasted a lead of 154 when they lost their sixth wicket—Justin Greaves (10)—who attempted a reverse sweep but was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed just after lunch. However, Sinclair and Imlach combined for a 51-run partnership, extending their lead further.

With nine wickets in hand, Brathwaite’s side had pushed their lead to 101, but they suffered a collapse, conceding four wickets during the hour preceding lunch. In stark contrast, Day 1 had been chaotic, resulting in the fall of 20 wickets, with Pakistan managing a narrow nine-run deficit after finishing their innings at 154 while responding to West Indies’ tally of 163.

Brathwaite’s aggressive play against the spin bowlers proved advantageous on Day 2, reaching his half-century off just 57 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes against Ali and Khan. He strategically used his foot movement against the spinners, also employing effective sweep shots as the team achieved 50 runs within the first hour alongside partner Mikyle Louis. Following that, Brathwaite and Jangoo collaborated for an additional 42 runs before an unfortunate succession of four wickets fell for just 37 runs.

Khan came close to dismissing Brathwaite on successive deliveries, but both appeals were overturned after replays indicated the balls were likely to miss the stumps. Brathwaite’s fortunes soon changed after achieving his half-century as he was stumped by Ali’s clever bowling.

Jangoo, who had scored a duck in the first innings, was looking solid against the spinners until mistiming a sweep shot against Khan, resulting in an easy catch to the slips.

Ali continued to make strides before the lunch break, claiming the wicket of Kavem Hodge (15) who was stumped on a looping delivery, followed by Alick Athanaza (6), trapped lbw by a ball that had minimal spin.

Pakistan began to falter against the West Indies’ spin bowlers during their run chase in the final session. Sinclair trapped captain Shan Masood lbw and celebrated with his signature somersault, while Mohammad Hurraira attempted a risky reverse sweep against Motie, only to succumb to lbw as well.

Kamran Ghulam (19) and Babar Azam avoided early dismissals but failed to capitalize on their second chances. Motie dropped a low return catch from Babar, while Greaves was unable to hold onto a sharp edge off Kamran. Both players were ultimately dismissed by disciplined and skillful spin bowling from the West Indies, which appears set to lead to another brief Test match likely concluding in three days.
“`