Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah took five wickets, the last of which came in the penultimate over of the day, to lead his side to a 101-run win over the West Indies in Dominica.

The victory was a historic one as it marked the first time that Pakistan won a Test series in the Caribbean.

Furthermore, it also ensured that veteran batsman Younis Khan and captain Misbah-ul-Haq ended their illustrious international careers on a high.

Starting off the day on 7/1, the West Indies were only able to add 15 runs to their overnight score before opener Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed by Yasir for six runs.

Shimron Hetmeyer managed to make 26 runs before being clean bowled by Mohammad Amir.

The hosts continued to sink further as Shai Hope was trapped lbw off the bowling of Hasan Ali for 17 before Yasir returned to take out Vishaul Singh and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for two runs apiece.

With the West Indies reeling at 93/6, Roston Chase and captain Jason Holder kept Pakistan at bay with a 58-run partnership before Holder was given out lbw off the bowling of Hasan for 22.

Devendra Bishoo and Alzarri Joseph fell shortly after, but Chase continued to frustrate Pakistan and looked set to lead the West Indies to safety by seeing out the remainder of the day.

However, on the final ball of the penultimate over of the day, Pakistan began their celebrations as Shannon Gabriel was clean bowled by Yasir for four runs.

Chase was left stranded on 101 off 239 balls, which included 12 boundaries and a six.

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Yasir was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets, while Hasan took three, and Amir and Mohammad Abbas claimed one wicket each.

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Holder was gutted to have come so close to saving the match, and said: “Proud of the fight that we showed. A lot of people may have thought the Test would [finish] earlier than it did. Disappointing to lose but we’ve seen something we haven’t seen in a long time with West Indies cricket.

“We’re coming up against good teams. Pakistan were No. 1 not too long ago. We need to learn to seize crucial moments. I said to the guys that I was extremely proud of the way we fought. There’s still lot of room for improvement, but a great effort nonetheless.

“Roston Chase, Shannon Gabriel outstanding, Alzarri and myself – we all played a part. Coming into this game with a chance of winning the series was fantastic. To Misbah and Younis, I want to say congratulations to you both. You’ve been ambassadors for world cricket. Best wishes for your future endeavors.”

Misbah was delighted to have ended his career with a landmark 2-1 series win, and said: “There’s nothing better than that. Whatever success I had through my career, I couldn’t have asked for a better finish. Would like to thank my mother, sisters, family and wife. It was only for her, I would have finished in Australia but she felt I could go on.

“My team-mates wanted me to go out on a winning note. My son isn’t here, he may be watching on TV. I’m missing him, he’s got his exams so couldn’t be with us. A big thank you to the coaches, teachers, fans and everyone who prayed for me. Lot of people here in West Indies too have come up to wish me the best.

“I’m happy with what I’ve had in my career, couldn’t have asked for a better finish. Really happy for this team. The way they gave me and Younis a send-off. I wish him all the best. It was a fine journey with him in the middle, sharing a lot of partnerships. In the history books, both our names will be there.

“With one over left, both of teams were under pressure. The bowlers bowled their heart out on a slow track. They just believed in themselves. Everyone was so motivated. They were working hard for me and Younis too. There were frustrations. No-balls, wickets, couple of chances here and there, but you enjoy wins like this much more than straightforward wins.”

Chase was named Man of the Match, while Yasir received the Man of the Series award for taking 25 wickets at an average of 21.96.