Pakistan's Sami Aslam in action in Sharjah yesterday.
Sharjah: Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel shared seven wickets between them to stop Pakistan from posting a big total on the opening day of the third and final Test in Sharjah yesterday.
Pakistan were cruising along nicely at 230-4 when West Indies grabbed four quick wickets to put Pakistan on the back foot at 255-8 by close of play at the Sharjah stadium.
At close, tail-enders Mohammad Amir was batting on six and Yasir Shah on one as West Indies will look to bowl out Pakistan early on day two.
Pakistan, who won the toss on a batting-friendly pitch, saw opener Sami Aslam (72), Misbah-ul-Haq (53), Younis Khan (51) and Sarfraz Ahmed (51) all reach half centuries.
Ahmed and Misbah had added 80 for the fifth wicket but Pakistan lost four wickets in the space of 18 runs to slump to 248-8, with Bishoo registering figures of 4-74 and Gabriel 3-58.
"We are in a good position to get them out (under 300)," said Bishoo, who took a career best 8-49 in the first Test. "We must build on this good bowling performance by posting a good total and that will strengthen our position."
Misbah had started his record 49th Test as captain -- bettering Imran Khan's feat of 48 Tests as captain -- on a good note when he won the third straight toss and instantly decided to bat, but his batsmen played reckless shots. Misbah was himself guilty as he gloved a reverse sweep off Bishoo after hitting three fours and a six.
