Pakistan collapse hands West Indies 90-run victory in series opener

Tarouba, Trinidad: Pakistan suffered a disappointing 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, as a dramatic first-innings collapse and another batting failure in the run chase handed the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Chasing 211 for victory on the fourth day, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 despite an unbeaten 58 from Babar Azam. The former captain stood firm amid the collapse, but found little support from the rest of the batting line-up as the visitors fell well short of the target.

The defeat was particularly frustrating for Pakistan after they had put themselves in a commanding position in the first innings. Replying to the West Indies’ total of 311, Pakistan cruised to 244-3, courtesy of captain Shan Masood’s superb 109 and Imam-ul-Haq’s fluent 63.

However, the innings unraveled spectacularly as Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 38 runs to be dismissed for 282, conceding a crucial 29-run first-innings lead. Justin Greaves triggered the collapse with a brilliant spell of 5-27, while Kemar Roach provided excellent support with 2-53.

Earlier, West Indies had posted 311 in their first innings, led by Shai Hope’s 92 and Kavem Hodge’s 84. Pakistan’s pace attack impressed, with Mohammad Ali claiming 4-50 and

Mohammad Abbas returning figures of 3-63.

Pakistan fought back strongly with the ball in the second innings through the outstanding Mohammad Abbas. The experienced seamer produced a masterclass in fast bowling, claiming 5-22 to finish with match figures of 8-85 as he bundled the hosts out for 181. Mohammad Ali also chipped in with 2-52, leaving Pakistan a manageable target of 211.

However, the chase never gathered momentum. Jayden Seales ripped through Pakistan’s top order with figures of 5-20, while Greaves added two wickets to cap a memorable all-round performance. Amid the collapse, Babar Azam played a lone hand, remaining unbeaten on 58 off 107 deliveries, while Abbas contributed a fighting 23 not out for the final wicket. Their unbroken stand, however, only reduced the margin of defeat.

Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on their dominant first-innings position ultimately proved decisive, with the collapse from 244-3 to 282 all out emerging as the defining moment of the match.

The visitors will now look to regroup ahead of the second and final Test, where they must secure victory to level the series after West Indies took a deserved 1-0 lead.