West Indies produced a dominant bowling performance to defeat Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series in Trinidad on Tuesday. Chasing 211 on a challenging fourth-day pitch, Pakistan were bowled out for 120 in just 40.2 overs, suffering their fourth consecutive Test defeat and eighth straight loss away from home.
Pakistan’s batting struggled for the second innings in a row, collapsing to 71 for 9 before a last-wicket stand of 49 runs between Babar Azam (58 not out) and Mohammad Abbas (23) delayed the inevitable. Jayden Seales wrapped up the victory by trapping Abbas lbw to finish with outstanding figures of 5 for 20.
Match Highlights
- West Indies won by 90 runs in the first Test.
- Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing 211.
- Jayden Seales claimed 5 wickets for 20 runs.
- Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 58.
- Pakistan have now lost 13 of their last 17 Tests.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse Continues
Pakistan’s defeat followed another dramatic batting collapse after they had already lost seven wickets for just 38 runs in the first innings, slipping from 244 for 3 to 282 all out. Although Mohammad Abbas impressed with the ball by taking 5 wickets for 22 runs, Pakistan’s batters failed to build meaningful partnerships in the run chase.
Former captain Shan Masood, despite playing with a fractured finger sustained during his first-innings century, returned to bat but was dismissed by Seales as Pakistan’s hopes quickly faded.
Key Performances
- Jayden Seales: 5/20 in the second innings.
- Mohammad Abbas: 5/22 with the ball and 23 runs with the bat.
- Shamar Joseph: Quick-fire 38 off 27 balls, including four sixes.
- Justin Greaves: Match figures of 7/39, named Player of the Match.
West Indies Shine as Team Effort Delivers Victory
West Indies added valuable runs on the fourth morning thanks to Shamar Joseph’s aggressive knock before their pace attack finished the job. Justin Greaves earned the Player of the Match award after contributing with seven wickets across both innings.
Greaves credited the team’s disciplined bowling approach, saying they learned from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas and successfully applied similar tactics. West Indies captain Roston Chase praised the collective effort, highlighting that different players contributed at crucial moments rather than relying on individual brilliance.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted his side struggled to handle the conditions and praised the West Indies bowlers for making full use of the pitch and new ball.
The second and final Test begins on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, where Pakistan will be aiming to avoid another series defeat.