Hodge, Chanderpaul fight back, but West Indies XI trail Pakistan

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
The West Indies Select XI faced a monumental task on the third day of their four-day warm-up fixture against Pakistan, reaching 268 for eight in response to the tourists’ imposing declaration of 455 for four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy yesterday.
Earlier, Pakistan chose not to add to their total, deciding to give their bowlers a run-out against the youthful Windies aggregation.
The Select XI’s task became immediately more difficult when opener Cephas Cooper was dismissed for just one run, trapped in front by Muhammad Abbas with the scoreboard reading a perilous three for one.
However, a defiant 151-run stand for the second wicket between the experienced Tagenarine Chanderpaul and the aggressive Kavem Hodge steadied the ship and gave the West Indies innings a backbone.
Chanderpaul, continuing his patient approach, brought up a well-crafted 51, his innings punctuated with five boundaries and a solitary six.
His vigil finally ended when he was caught off the bowling of left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
With the platform set, Hodge looked to accelerate and was the dominant force of the innings. He unleashed 14 fours in a fluent knock of 92, looking destined for a century before he became Usman’s second victim, falling with the score at 165.
The middle order offered sporadic resistance but failed to build on the foundation laid by the top order. Terrance Hinds made 24 while Jomel Warrican chipped in with a lower-order cameo, scoring 24 not out.
Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Mohammad Ali was the pick of the attack, finishing the day with impressive figures of three for 36, which included the prized scalps of Joshua Da Silva and Joshua James, both dismissed without scoring.
Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman supported well, grabbing two wickets apiece.
At the close of play, Jyd Goolie remained steadfast at the crease, unbeaten on a resolute 44.
His innings, which has consumed 95 deliveries and featured five fours, has ensured the West Indies XI will bat into the final day, though they still trail by a significant 187 with only two wickets in hand.