Sharjah: Unconquerable Kraigg Brathwaite steered West Indies to a morale-boosting five-wicket victory over Pakistan on the final day of the third and final Test at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Brathwaite’s rock-solid effort, where he remained unbeaten on both innings and spent the entire duration of the Test on the field, shattered Pakistan’s hopes of a 9-0 win in all formats this series.
The opener carried his bat with an unbeaten 142 in the first innings, fielded throughout both Pakistan’s both innings and then remained unbeaten on 60 in the second innings to ensure his team reach the target. His unbroken 87-run partnership with Shane Dowrich (60 not out) under tremendous pressure helped West Indies win the last Test of the series, despite losing the first two Tests, the three Twenty20 and the same number of One Day Internationals.
West Indies’ first away win against a team ranked above them since 2007 sent the players in a frenzy. This win also gave West Indies an away win over Pakistan after 26 years.
Answering to a query from Gulf News on becoming the first opener in the history of cricket to remain unbeaten in both innings of a Test, Brathwaite said: “It is something that I always wanted to do even from the period I started to play and then coming to play for West Indies. I am happy I have done it. It wasn’t easy as Pakistan have very good bowlers. Tough work it was and really had to be mentally strong because we had some tough periods. I am very thankful that I could get the team there.”
All eyes were on the two Pakistan strike bowlers Yasir Shah and Wahab Riaz from the start. The task before them was to take the remaining five wickets, but for West Indies their hopes rested on the able shoulder of Brathwaite and Dowrich.
Brathwaite began the day on a positive note with a boundary off the first ball from Wahab Riaz to the cover fence, especially on a day where every run counted towards the required 39. A thick outside edge fetched Brathwaite two more runs and enabled him to complete his 12th Test half century.
Dowrich, who rose to the challenge, picked gaps at ease to also reach his fourth Test half century.
When Gulf News asked Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq as to why Pakistan could not get Brathwaite out in both innings, he said: “Brathwaite’s discipline was very good. He just kept it simple, played straight and that is the key to play on a Sharjah wicket because normally the ball skids here and sometimes the spinners don’t get turn. He was the difference between the two teams, his temperament was very good and he won the Test match for West Indies and an important one.”
West Indies skipper Jason Holder too showered praise on Brathwaite saying: “Brathwaite is outstanding. He is one player who has dominated in most of the matches he has played. I had no doubt he is a good Test player and he showed that class in this Test match. He has put himself among some good company in terms of history and I just want to encourage him to continue doing what he is doing. He will surely will end up as one of West Indies’ best batsman at the end of his career.”
