NewsIndia

By Ishaan Kapoor — 28 July 2026 — 3 min read

The West Indies secured a 90-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, leading the two-match series 1-0. The win came on day four, shortly after tea, with a dominant performance from the home side’s pace attack.

Jayden Seales was a key performer for the West Indies, claiming 5-20 in Pakistan’s second innings. This effort contributed significantly to Pakistan’s collapse to 120 all out while chasing a target of 211 for victory. The match saw a late resistance from Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten with 58 runs, and Muhammad Abbas, who scored 23 runs in a 49-run 10th-wicket partnership.

West Indies’ Dominant Bowling Performance

The West Indies bowlers systematically dismantled the Pakistan batting lineup. Seales initiated the collapse before lunch on day four, removing Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, and Salman Agha. His performance was crucial in setting the tone for the innings.

Following lunch, Justin Greaves continued to apply pressure, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and trapping Aamer Jamal lbw. Greaves had also delivered an impressive spell on day three, taking five wickets without conceding any runs. The combined efforts of the pace attack left Pakistan struggling at 71-9 at one point in their chase.

Pakistan’s resistance was further hampered by injuries, with Shan Masood batting with a fractured finger. Despite his efforts to briefly delay the inevitable, he eventually fell, contributing to his team’s fading hopes. Babar Azam’s defiant knock was a lone highlight in an otherwise challenging batting display for Pakistan.

Babar Azam’s Return to Captaincy

The defeat marked a disappointing return to the Test captaincy for Babar Azam. He had resumed the leadership role earlier in the month for the tours of the West Indies and England, replacing Shan Masood. This loss extends Pakistan’s challenging run in away Tests, marking their eighth consecutive defeat on foreign soil.

Concerns had been raised about the pressure Babar Azam might face upon reassuming the captaincy, potentially impacting his batting performance. However, his unbeaten 58 runs in the second innings showcased his individual form. In his previous stint as Test captain, Babar Azam had a strong batting record, accumulating 1750 runs in 36 innings at an average of 50, including four centuries and 11 fifties.

Under his previous captaincy, Pakistan had a record of winning 10 out of 20 Tests, losing six, and drawing four. In contrast, Shan Masood, whom Babar Azam replaced, had captained in 16 Tests, securing four victories.

West Indies’ First Innings and Tribute

In their first innings, the West Indies posted a total of 311 runs, with Hope scoring 92. Pakistan’s Mohammad Ali was effective with the ball, taking 4-50. Pakistan responded with 282 runs in their first innings, where Masood scored 109, and Greaves took 5-27 for the West Indies.

The West Indies then added 181 runs in their second innings, with Shamar Joseph top-scoring with 38 runs off 27 balls, including four sixes. Kemar Roach also contributed a resilient 18 runs off 63 balls. Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler for Pakistan in this innings, claiming 5-22.

The victory was dedicated by West Indies captain Roston Chase to the late Sir Garfield Sobers, who would have celebrated his 90th birthday on the day the match concluded. Chase expressed hopes that Sobers would be proud of their performance. The team also acknowledged the support from the Trinidad crowd, which provided energy throughout the match.

Pakistan will now look to level the series in the second Test, scheduled to begin on 2 August in Port of Spain.

Source: bbc.com