TRINIDAD (special crosspondent) – West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after bowling out the visitors for 120 in pursuit of a 211-run target on the fifth and final day.

Match Summary and Second Innings Collapse

Resuming their second innings at 21 for 2, Pakistan failed to build any meaningful partnerships as the West Indies pace attack kept the pressure on throughout the day. Wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the visitors with little chance of chasing down the target. Captain Babar Azam fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 58, while No. 11 Mohammad Abbas offered late resistance with 23 runs. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan from slipping to a 90-run defeat.

West Indies Bowling Dominance

Fast bowler Jayden Seales starred with the ball, claiming five wickets in Pakistan’s second innings. Justin Greaves picked up three wickets, while Kemar Roach chipped in with two as the home side wrapped up the victory in commanding fashion. This performance follows the successful administrative efforts seen in national sports reform, similar to how Lahore Initiates Pilot Project to Eradicate Organized Professional Begging, showcasing the need for structural discipline in all national sectors.

First Innings Review

Earlier, West Indies posted 311 in their first innings, thanks to 89 from Kevlon Hodge, 48 by Shai Hope and 47 from Roston Chase. Pakistan’s bowling was led by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed four wickets, while Mohammad Ali took three and Aamer Jamal finished with two. Pakistan replied with 282 in their first innings to concede a 29-run lead. Former captain Shan Masood produced a magnificent 109, while Imam-ul-Haq contributed 63 in an important partnership that kept Pakistan in the contest. However, the visitors failed to capitalise as Justin Greaves claimed five wickets, with Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales taking two each.

West Indies Second Innings Performance

In their second innings, West Indies added 181 runs to set Pakistan a victory target of 211. Kevlon Hodge once again led the batting with 48, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 35 and Justin Greaves added 26. Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas continued his impressive performance with a five-wicket haul, while Khurram Shehzad and Mohammad Ali claimed two wickets apiece.

Concluding Outlook

Although the target of 211 appeared attainable, Pakistan’s batting line-up struggled against disciplined fast bowling and variable bounce. Apart from Babar Azam’s fighting unbeaten half-century, none of the batters managed to make a significant contribution as the innings folded for just 120. For Pakistan, Shan Masood’s first-innings century, Imam-ul-Haq’s half-century, Babar Azam’s unbeaten effort and Mohammad Abbas’ outstanding bowling across the match were the major positives. However, repeated batting failures ultimately proved costly. West Indies, meanwhile, delivered a disciplined all-round performance with both bat and ball. With the win, West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, leaving Pakistan needing victory in the second and final Test to level the series.