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Pakistan Test loss handed West Indies a significant advantage on Tuesday as the hosts completed a commanding 90-run victory in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The result gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing 211.
West Indies Complete 90-Run Victory
West Indies defended their target effectively on the fourth day, maintaining pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup throughout the chase. The hosts had established a 29-run first-innings advantage after scoring 311 before Pakistan were dismissed for 282.
The West Indies then added 181 runs in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 211 to win the opening Test.
Pakistan’s bowlers had initially kept the hosts under pressure. Mohammad Abbas produced an outstanding five-wicket performance, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad also contributed with important breakthroughs. Abbas finished the second innings with 5/22.
Pakistan Collapse Under Pressure
Pakistan’s chase quickly turned into a major struggle. Experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for just three runs, leaving the visitors five runs on the board.
Azan Awais followed shortly afterward for three, while Salman Ali Agha was trapped lbw without scoring. The three early wickets left Pakistan at 25/3 and allowed West Indies to seize control.
The situation deteriorated further after Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal. Pakistan lost five wickets for only 25 runs and slipped to 71/9, leaving their hopes of victory hanging by a thread.
Babar Azam Fights Lone Battle
Babar Azam provided the main resistance for Pakistan, remaining unbeaten on 58 from 107 deliveries.
The Pakistan captain reached his 32nd Test half-century during a determined final-wicket partnership with Mohammad Abbas. The pair added 49 runs to temporarily delay the inevitable and push Pakistan beyond the 100-run mark.
However, Jayden Seales finally ended the resistance by trapping Abbas lbw. Abbas departed for a fighting 23 from 33 balls, leaving Babar stranded as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 120.
Abbas Shines Despite Defeat
While Pakistan’s batting struggled, Mohammad Abbas emerged as one of the team’s standout performers.
The experienced pacer played a crucial role in restricting West Indies during their second innings, claiming five wickets and repeatedly creating pressure on the hosts’ lower order.
Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad also claimed two wickets each, while Aamer Jamal took one. Despite the strong bowling effort, Pakistan could not capitalize with the bat.
West Indies Take Series Advantage
Jayden Seales proved decisive for West Indies during Pakistan’s final innings. The fast bowler claimed 5/20 from 14.2 overs and dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order at a crucial stage.
Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves added two wickets each, while Shamar Joseph claimed one.
The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 advantage in the two-match Test series and puts Pakistan under pressure heading into the next encounter. Pakistan will need a much stronger batting performance if they are to level the series.
For West Indies, the result represents a major boost after Pakistan had appeared to gain the upper hand on the third day when Abbas and Khurram Shahzad reduced the hosts to 126/7.
The opening Test ultimately turned on Pakistan’s inability to withstand sustained pressure during the chase, while West Indies’ disciplined bowling secured a memorable 90-run triumph on home soil. See more on Pulse Pakistan.
