Seales shines as West Indies beat Pakistan in first Test
Pakistan suffered another disappointing batting collapse as West Indies secured victory on the fourth day of the opening Test in Trinidad. Chasing a target of 211 on a challenging pitch, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 in 40.2 overs shortly after tea.
The tourists never looked comfortable during the chase and came close to recording their lowest-ever Test total against West Indies. Pakistan slumped to 71-9 before a fighting last-wicket partnership delayed the inevitable defeat.
Captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 58 and shared a 49-run partnership for the final wicket with Mohammad Abbas, who scored 23. Their resistance ended when Jayden Seales trapped Abbas leg before wicket to finish with outstanding figures of 5-20.
The defeat extended Pakistan’s poor run in Test cricket. It was their fourth consecutive Test defeat, their 13th loss in the last 17 Tests, and their eighth successive defeat away from home. Pakistan’s batting problems had already surfaced in the first innings when they collapsed from 244-3 to 282 all out, losing seven wickets for just 38 runs. The collapse handed West Indies a valuable first-innings lead of 29 runs.
Although Pakistan fought back with the ball late on the third day, West Indies managed to post 181 in their second innings. Shamar Joseph played an aggressive knock of 38 off 27 balls, smashing four sixes and one four to give the home side valuable late runs.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball, claiming 5-22 in the second innings. However, his impressive spell was not enough to prevent defeat as Pakistan’s batters failed to deliver once again.
Pakistan were also hampered by Shan Masood’s injury. The opener was playing with a fractured finger sustained while scoring a century in the first innings. Despite the injury, he came out to bat but was dismissed by Seales after being caught at backward point by Shamar Joseph.
Also Read: Shan Masood creates history with record Test century in Tarouba
West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves was named “Player of the Match” after taking seven wickets across both innings.
“It was just about being disciplined,” Greaves said. “From watching Mohammad Abbas in both the first and second innings, we tried to mimic that, and it pretty much worked out well for us.”
Babar admitted Pakistan’s batting let the team down despite expecting difficult conditions.
“This surface is good. We have to expect it to be a bit up and down at this stage, and also the movement with the new ball. We prepared for this,” Babar said.
“But they bowled very well, using the conditions, and we just couldn’t get a partnership going,” he added.
West Indies captain Roston Chase praised the collective effort of his team after securing his second Test victory in three matches.
“I love how this team is going,” Chase said. “We’re not depending on one or two guys solely. Everyone is chipping in at crucial times.”
The second and final Test of the series will begin on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, where Pakistan will aim to level the series and avoid another disappointing defeat.
