Guard of honor for Younis as Pakistan frustrate West Indies on Day 1 of decider

Photo: AFP Roseau, Dominica: West Indies lined up to form a guard of honor when Younis Khan came out to bat in what could be his last innings for Pakistan on Wednesday as the tourists dominated a rather dull Day 1 of the decisive third Test. Pakistan was 169 for 2 from 69 overs in its first innings at stumps on a rain-hit day at Windsor Park with only two overs bowled in the afternoon session. Opener Azhar Ali was 85 not out — more runs than Pakistan scored in its entire previous innings of 81 in the second-Test defeat — and Younis was undefeated on 10. Both Younis and captain Misbah-ul-Haq, the next man in, are retiring from international cricket at the end of this match with Pakistan chasing its first-ever test series win in the Caribbean. The three-match series is level at 1-1. Babar Azam made up for his pair of ducks in the second Test with 55, his fourth 50, before being indecisive with his bat and offering a light edge to Kieran Powell at first slip off Alzarri Joseph. It was the only wicket to fall after Tea and ended a 120-run partnership for the second wicket with Azhar Ali. Pakistan had gone to an early tea at 75-1 amid persistent drizzle after reaching 70/1 at lunch. Earlier, West Indies won the toss and elected to field in overcast conditions - a decision that soon looked to have paid off when Shan Masood (9) was caught by Jason Holder at second slip off Roston Chase's delivery to leave Pakistan on 19/1. Pakistan gave a test debut to medium-fast bowler Hasan Ali in place of legspinner Shadab Khan and brought in opener Masood for Ahmed Shehzad. West Indies remained unchanged from its 106-run win in the second test. Pakistan won the first test by seven wickets.