Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves shine as West Indies secure a 90-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
TAROUBA: West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test at Tarouba on Monday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, condemning the visitors to an eighth successive defeat in Test cricket.
Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed under sustained pressure from the West Indies pace attack despite an unbeaten fighting innings from captain Babar Azam. The visitors were bowled out well short of the target, handing the hosts a deserved victory after an absorbing contest.
Jayden Seales leads dominant bowling display
Fast bowler Jayden Seales delivered a match-winning performance, claiming his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket as he dismantled Pakistan’s batting order in the final innings.
Pakistan’s chase got off to the worst possible start when veteran pacer Kemar Roach removed Imam-ul-Haq early. Seales then struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Azan Awais and Salman Ali Agha to reduce the tourists to 25/3.
After the lunch interval, Justin Greaves continued the pressure by removing Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal in rapid succession. Roach then returned to dismiss Ali Usman, leaving Pakistan struggling at 53/6.
Babar Azam stood firm at one end and remained unbeaten, but with little support from the rest of the batting line-up, Pakistan’s hopes of victory quickly faded. Mohammad Abbas offered some late resistance with the bat, but West Indies eventually wrapped up the innings to seal a comprehensive 90-run win.
Mohammad Abbas shines before West Indies recover
Earlier in the day, Mohammad Abbas produced one of the finest spells of his Test career, taking 5 for 22 to reduce West Indies to 93/7 in their second innings.
Pakistan appeared to have seized control of the match before the West Indies lower order staged an impressive recovery. Kemar Roach and Shamar Joseph added a vital 61-run partnership that shifted the momentum back in the hosts’ favour.
Joseph struck an aggressive 38, including four sixes, helping West Indies reach 181 and set Pakistan a challenging victory target of 211.
Pakistan squander strong first-innings platform
Pakistan looked well placed during their first innings after Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq shared a commanding 155-run opening partnership.
Masood compiled a superb century, scoring 109, while Imam added a composed 63 as Pakistan reached 199/3 and appeared on course for a sizeable first-innings lead.
However, Justin Greaves sparked a dramatic collapse by taking 5 for 27. Pakistan lost their final seven wickets for just 83 runs and were dismissed for 282, conceding a 29-run first-innings deficit that ultimately proved decisive.
West Indies recover to post competitive first-innings total
West Indies earlier made 311 in their first innings after recovering from early setbacks.
Kavem Hodge top-scored with 84, while Shai Hope narrowly missed a century with a resilient 92. Their efforts laid the foundation for a competitive total despite regular breakthroughs by Pakistan’s seam attack.
Mohammad Ali claimed four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas also bowled impressively. Late hitting from Shamar Joseph helped lift the hosts beyond the 300-run mark.
Captains reflect on the result
West Indies captain Roston Chase praised his team’s all-round performance, particularly the discipline shown by the bowling attack.
“It feels great. Everyone contributed in their own way, and the bowlers were outstanding. It is also nice to have an extra day’s rest before the next Test,” Chase said after the victory.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted his side had failed to capitalise on favourable batting conditions.
“The pitch became much better for batting once the new ball lost its shine. We needed stronger partnerships and failed to negotiate the early overs. Losing Shan Masood because of his finger injury was unfortunate, but we will analyse our mistakes and look to bounce back,” he said.
Greaves named Player of the Match
Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match after producing a match-defining all-round bowling performance. The all-rounder claimed five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings and added two more in the second to play a pivotal role in West Indies’ victory.
Greaves credited the team’s disciplined bowling plans for the result.
“We stuck to our plans and kept attacking the stumps. That discipline brought rewards, and hopefully we can carry the momentum into the next Test,” he said.
The second and final Test of the series will begin on August 2, with West Indies aiming to complete a series victory while Pakistan seek to halt their prolonged losing run in the longest format of the game.