The West Indies secured a 90-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, leading the two-match series 1-0. The match concluded just after tea on day four, with Jayden Seales delivering a notable performance, claiming 5-20.
Pakistan, chasing a target of 211 for victory, were bowled out for 120 in their second innings. The team faced a significant collapse, being reduced to 71-9 at one point. Despite a resilient 10th-wicket partnership of 49 runs between captain Babar Azam and Muhammad Abbas, the West Indies ultimately sealed the win. Babar Azam remained unbeaten with 58 runs, but Seales dismissed Abbas for 23, trapping him lbw to end the match.
West Indies’ Performance and Tributes
The West Indies had resumed their second innings on 126-7, adding 55 runs for their final three wickets during the morning session. Shamar Joseph was the top-scorer for the hosts with 38 runs off 27 balls, including four sixes, while Kemar Roach contributed 18 runs off 63 balls. Muhammad Abbas was a key bowler for Pakistan, taking 5-22 in the innings.
West Indies skipper Roston Chase dedicated the victory to the late Sir Garfield Sobers, noting that the win occurred on what would have been his 90th birthday. Chase expressed hope that Sobers would be proud of the team’s performance. He also extended gratitude to the Trinidad crowd for their support, which provided energy for the team.
The win for the West Indies was described as a fitting tribute on an emotional day, honoring the legendary figure. The team’s fast-bowling display was clinical, contributing significantly to their success.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse and Captaincy Return
Pakistan‘s chase began to falter before lunch on day four. Jayden Seales was instrumental in breaking through their top order, removing Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, and Salman Agha. Justin Greaves, who had an impressive spell on day three with five wickets for no runs, continued to pressure the Pakistan batsmen. He bowled Mohammad Rizwan and later trapped Aamer Jamal lbw, further tightening the West Indies‘ grip on the match.
Shan Masood, who batted with a fractured finger, briefly delayed the inevitable before being caught. Babar Azam‘s return as Pakistan‘s Test captain ended in this defeat, marking the team’s eighth consecutive away Test loss. Despite his individual effort, Babar Azam lamented the team’s batting performance, acknowledging the uneven bounce of the pitch but emphasizing the need for partnerships.
The loss highlights Pakistan‘s struggles on foreign soil, extending their worst run in away Tests. Babar Azam‘s return to captaincy, after stepping down in July 2023 and replacing Shan Masood, has begun with a challenging result. Earlier, Mohammad Amir had suggested that retaking the Test captaincy could put undue pressure on Babar Azam, potentially affecting his batting form. Babar Azam had previously amassed 1750 runs in 36 innings at an average of 50 with four centuries and 11 fifties as Test captain, with Pakistan winning 10 out of 20 Tests under his previous leadership.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on 2 August in Port of Spain, where Pakistan will aim to level the series.
Source: bbc.com
