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November 30, 2006 (Link to Scorecard)

Pakistan have fought back strongly in the third and final Test Match at Karachi through reverse swing. The homeside had seen a 51-run partnership for the first wicket between Gayle and Ganga but a triple blow from Umar Gul changed the match situation completely. At stumps, Windies are onto 191 for 6 with opener Daren Ganga still in the middle with a grinding knock of 77. The tourists are now 113 runs behind Pak's first innings total of 304.

The Karachi wicket just didn't have enough bounce and pace, thus making it difficult for the batsmen to time their strokes. The only factor that was in favour of the bowlers was the dry nature of the pitch which assisted in roughening up one side of the ball to aid reverse swing. Pakistan having resumed the day's play at 257 for 7, added up another 47 runs. Kamran Akmal could add just 13 to his overnight score of 18. Umar Gul batting at no.10 had come up with a useful score of 26 with Pakistan losing their remaining three wickets in almost 13 overs.

In reply, Windies were off to a bright start with Gayle and Ganga putting on a steady opening partnership. It took more than 15 overs for Pakistan to dislodge the first wicket with Gayle falling after trying to play an ambitious shot off Umar Gul. Gayle had put on as many as 40 out of the 51-run partnership. Umar Gul shattered West Indies' hopes of consolidating by picking up the all important wickets of last match double centurion, Brian Lara followed with that of Ramnaresh Sarwan's. While Lara was bowled for not covering the line of a late away going delivery, Sarwan was cleaned up by an inswinging yorker. The innings was reconstructed by Ganga and Chanderpaul with the pair putting on 63 runs for the fourth wicket. Chanderpaul was unlucky to be caught by Imran Farhat at short leg after playing a flick off Danish Kaneria having made 36 runs. Danish Kaneria went onto pick two more wickets which included that of Morton and Bravo's.

Ganga has remained unbeaten on 77 for which he had survived 212 balls. He had to watch six wickets go down in the 72.4 overs bowled in the West Indian innings. It was bad light that had got a slightly early finish for the second day's play. The other unbeaten batsman is wicket keeper, Denesh Ramdin who is yet to open his account.

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