Mushtaq’s Masterclass: Pakistan’s Commanding Victory Levels the Series

In a contest that demanded character, Pakistan delivered emphatically, securing a resounding 266-run victory to bring the series level at one win apiece. At the heart of their triumph stood Mushtaq Mohammad, a captain whose form had faltered in preceding matches but who now orchestrated a performance of rare brilliance. With a century in the first innings, a crucial fifty in the second, and match figures of 8 for 97 with his leg-spin, Mushtaq was the architect of Pakistan’s dominance. 

The West Indies, in stark contrast, found themselves undone by a collective batting failure. Despite early glimpses of resistance, their innings unravelled twice under sustained pressure, exposing vulnerabilities that Pakistan exploited with precision. 

A Tactical Shift in Spin-Friendly Conditions 

Anticipating the slower surface of Queen’s Park Oval, both teams bolstered their spin departments. Pakistan introduced Qasim Umar in place of Salim Altaf, while the hosts brought in the left-arm spinner Inshan Ali, sacrificing the pace of Bernard Julien. 

For the second consecutive match, Clive Lloyd gambled on fielding first after winning the toss, perhaps hoping for a repeat of the seam-friendly conditions from the previous Test. This time, however, the pitch played true, offering a slow but consistent bounce. Despite early setbacks—three wickets tumbling before lunch—Pakistan steadily built a formidable total. 

Mushtaq’s Redemption and Majid’s Authority 

Once again, Majid Khan provided the foundation, playing with characteristic fluency. His 92, laced with a six and fourteen boundaries, was an exhibition of elegance and precision. More importantly, he forged a crucial 108-run stand with his captain, who anchored the innings through several testing passages of play. Mushtaq’s 121, compiled over six hours, exemplified patience and tactical acumen. His eighth-wicket partnership of 68 with Sarfraz Nawaz ensured Pakistan’s eventual total was not just competitive, but commanding. 

When West Indies replied, their openers—Roy Fredericks and Gordon Greenidge—offered initial promise with a confident 73-run partnership. Yet, their sudden dismissal in successive overs triggered a catastrophic collapse. The middle and lower order crumbled, unable to contend with Mushtaq’s exquisite control of his leg-breaks and googlies or the relentless probing of Imran Khan. Pakistan’s bowlers ensured a hefty first-innings lead of 187, placing their opponents under immense pressure. 

The Decisive Knockout 

The West Indies attack, desperate to claw back, produced a spirited performance in Pakistan’s second innings. They reduced the visitors to 95 for 5, igniting faint hopes of a miraculous comeback. But Mushtaq, determined to stamp his authority, found an able ally in Wasim Raja. Their 116-run sixth-wicket partnership restored stability, while the lower order further compounded the hosts' misery. A belligerent eighth-wicket stand of 73 between Imran and Sarfraz left the West Indies chasing a near-impossible 489.  

To harbor any realistic hope of survival, the West Indies required a solid foundation. Instead, their innings was in disarray by the close of the fourth day—Fredericks, Greenidge, Richards, and Shillingford all dismissed, leaving them reeling at 146 for 4. The morning of the final day saw Kallicharran fall in Mushtaq’s first over, his precise leg-spin continuing to dictate terms. 

A flicker of resistance emerged in the form of Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts, whose defiance spanned two and a half hours and momentarily unsettled Pakistan. But, demonstrating astute leadership, Mushtaq handed the ball to Raja, whose leg-spin swiftly dismantled the remaining wickets. 

A Statement Victory 

Pakistan’s triumph was more than just an equalizer in the series—it was a statement of intent. Their captain, under scrutiny for lacklustre form, had delivered a masterclass in leadership and all-round performance. The West Indies, undone by brittle batting and unable to counter the guile of Pakistan’s spinners, found themselves outplayed. 

With the series now delicately poised, momentum had shifted. Pakistan, buoyed by their emphatic win, had not only redeemed themselves but had also set the stage for an electrifying conclusion.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar