MULTAN: A determined performance from West Indian spinners, led by Kevin Sinclair, has left Pakistan on the ropes in the second Test in Multan, with the hosts at 76-4 at the close of day two.

The West Indies set Pakistan a daunting 254-run target after posting 244 in their second innings, igniting hopes of leveling the series 1-1. At stumps, Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 13, alongside nightwatchman Kashif Ali on one. Pakistan now needs 178 more runs for victory, while the West Indies require six wickets to draw the series. Sinclair (2-41) was the standout bowler, removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood for just two and Babar Azam for a cautious 31. Azam had briefly resurrected the innings with a 43-run partnership with Kamran Ghulam, who was dropped twice early in his innings but failed to capitalize, falling for 19 to Jomel Warrican. The day’s play was action-packed with 14 wickets falling, adding to the 20 that fell on day one. In the morning session, West Indian skipper Kraigg Brathwaite provided resistance with a gritty 52, supported by a 99-run contribution from the lower order. However, Shakeel and Ali remain at the crease with Pakistan still in pursuit of a challenging total. The series remains on a knife-edge, with the West Indies needing a few more breakthroughs to level the series.