Adisciplined bowling display helped West Indies make a winning start to the Test series against Pakistan.
Chasing a modest target on the final day, Pakistan’s batting line-up failed to handle the pressure as the hosts wrapped up a convincing 90-run victory in the opening Test to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan were set 211 runs to win but were bowled out for just 120 in their second innings. Babar Azam fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 58, but none of the other batters could provide meaningful support as the visitors suffered a heavy defeat.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, West Indies posted a competitive total of 311 in their first innings.
Shai Hope top-scored with a brilliant 92 and Kavem Hodge chimed in with 84 to set the platform for the hosts. For Pakistan, Mohammad Ali was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Mohammad Abbas claimed three and Khurram Shahzad picked up two.
Pakistan responded well in their first innings thanks to a captain’s knock from Shan Masood, who scored a superb 109. Imam-ul-Haq also chipped in with 63 as Pakistan reached 282.
However, they still conceded a 29-run first-innings lead. Justin Greaves starred with the ball for West Indies, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket to put the hosts in control.
Pakistan’s bowlers fought back strongly in the second innings, dismissing West Indies for 181.
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas produced an outstanding spell, finishing with five wickets for just 22 runs. Shamar Joseph scored 38, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul added 35 to help West Indies set Pakistan a target of 211.
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Jayden Seales produced a match-winning spell, taking five wickets for just 20 runs in 14.2 overs. Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves chipped in with two wickets each as Pakistan folded for 120 in 40.2 overs.
Apart from Babar Azam’s unbeaten 58, only Mohammad Abbas managed to cross the 20-run mark with 23. The rest of the batting line-up failed to make an impact and West Indies sealed a comprehensive victory and took the lead in the series.