Pakistan inch ahead on day three in Jamaica

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Ashraf was resolute in his defensive approach, ending on 12* (78), while Babar compiled his 17th Test fifty in spite of tricky conditions and a mini-collapse at the other end earlier in the day.

The efforts complimented a solid job from Pakistan's bowlers, who ensured the hosts couldn't extend their first innings advantage in the morning session.

Eight wickets down to begin the day, the West Indies could only add two runs from their overnight score, bowled out for 253 after Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed both Jomel Warrican and Joshua Da Silva.

With a 36-run deficit, Pakistan in reply lost Imran Butt (6) early to Kemar Roach, though the second wicket pair of Abid Ali and Azhar compiled 55 to hand the visitors a lead.

The pair fell in quick succession to Roach and Jayden Seales respectively, and when Fawad Alam edged to Joshua da Silva for a duck, the West Indies looked on course for an early finish, as their adversaries fell into a hole at 65/4.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam had different ideas however, putting on 56 with Mohammad Rizwan, who fell for 30 after a rain delay.

The skipper battened down the hatches, passing fifty at a strike rate in the low forties, with new partner Faheem Ashraf taking 65 balls to reach double figures.

The pair played out a number of maidens in their stay, with three home quicks conceding less than two runs an over. Seven of Roach's fifteen overs were maidens, finishing the day with 2/15. Kyle Mayers (0/19) and Jason Holder (1/27) were also miserly.

As the light began to fade at Sabina Park, the hosts turned to spin to break the partnership, though the left/right combination held firm. Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase asked questions, though couldn't find the key breakthrough late, with skipper Kraigg Brathwaite also trying his luck to no avail.

Pakistan finished the day with a lead of 124, and may look to push on during day four with rain a possibility for day five.