Pakistan batting collapses again as West Indies win first Test by 90 run

West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in Trinidad as Jayden Seales claimed five wickets, extending Pakistan’s unwanted away Test losing streak to eight consecutive matches.

By MediaBites Sports Desk

TAROUBA, Trinidad: Jayden Seales produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to guide West Indies to a commanding 90-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test on Tuesday, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and deepening Pakistan’s struggles in overseas Test cricket.

Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 in 40 overs as Seales ripped through the batting order with figures of 5-18, registering his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The defeat marked Pakistan’s eighth consecutive loss in away Test matches, extending an unwanted record.

The match belonged to the fast bowlers, who claimed all 40 wickets across both innings on a lively surface.

Former captain Babar Azam fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 58, reaching his 32nd Test half-century, but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up. A spirited last-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas briefly delayed defeat before Seales trapped Abbas lbw shortly after tea to complete the victory.

West Indies had earlier posted 311 in their first innings, built around captain Shai Hope’s composed 92 and Alick Athanaze Hodge’s valuable 84. Pakistan responded with 282, thanks largely to captain Shan Masood’s determined 109 and Imam-ul-Haq’s 63, but Justin Greaves’ impressive 5-27 ensured the hosts secured a slender first-innings advantage.

Pakistan’s bowlers kept the contest alive in the second innings, with Mohammad Abbas delivering career-best figures of 5-22 to dismiss West Indies for 181. However, an aggressive 38 from Shamar Joseph and useful lower-order partnerships pushed the target beyond 200, proving enough for the Caribbean side.

Pakistan’s chase unraveled almost immediately.

Seales struck early by dismissing Imam-ul-Haq with a delivery that jagged back sharply before removing debutant Azan Awais. Salman Agha was trapped lbw soon after, while Greaves dismissed Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal to leave Pakistan in deep trouble before lunch.

Shan Masood, batting despite a fractured finger suffered in the first innings, struggled for fluency and fell while attempting an attacking shot.

Only Babar showed sustained resistance, mixing solid defense with elegant strokeplay, but Pakistan’s lower order could not withstand the relentless pace attack.

The victory means West Indies cannot lose the series and underlines the effectiveness of their pace bowling unit, with Seales and Greaves emerging as the standout performers.

For Pakistan, the defeat raises fresh questions about their ability to compete in challenging overseas conditions, particularly against quality fast bowling. With one Test remaining, the visitors will need a dramatic turnaround to avoid another disappointing series defeat.

The win carried added emotional significance for West Indies, coming on what would have been the 90th birthday of legendary all-rounder Sir Garry Sobers, making it a memorable day for Caribbean cricket.