Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities were laid bare for the second consecutive day as they slumped to a 90-run defeat against the West Indies on the fourth day of the first Test in Trinidad. Set a modest target of 211 on a deteriorating surface, the tourists never recovered from a devastating top-order collapse and were bowled out for 120 just after tea.
Seales Rips Through Pakistan’s Line-Up
Jayden Seales was the chief destroyer, claiming five for 20 to demolish a batting unit that has now suffered 13 losses in its last 17 Test matches. The procession of wickets began early and continued relentlessly. At 71 for nine, Pakistan were staring at their lowest-ever Test innings total against the West Indies, only for a last-wicket stand to spare them that ignominy.
Captain Babar Azam stood alone amid the ruins, finishing unbeaten on 58. He found an unlikely partner in Mohammad Abbas, and together they added 49 runs for the final wicket. Abbas hung around for a defiant 23 before Seales trapped him leg-before to seal the contest. Abbas had earlier shone with the ball, taking five for 22 in the West Indies’ second innings.
Repeat of Day Three Collapse
The capitulation mirrored Pakistan’s first-innings meltdown, where they lost seven wickets for just 38 runs to concede a 29-run deficit. That pattern of collapse has become a grim hallmark of their recent Test cricket, extending a miserable away record to eight consecutive defeats on foreign soil.
West Indies resumed their second innings on the fourth morning and added 55 vital runs, propelled by Shamar Joseph’s brisk 38 off 27 balls, which included four sixes. Even as Abbas wrapped up the innings, Pakistan’s body language in the field suggested a target of 211 was already beyond reach.
Masood’s Courage Not Enough
Former Shan Masood, who scored a century in the first innings, bravely walked out to bat with Pakistan in tatters at 58 for six, despite nursing a fractured finger. His resistance was short-lived, as he became one of Seales’ victims, caught at backward point by Joseph.
Justin Greaves, named Player of the Match for his seven wickets in the game, credited Abbas for inspiring the home attack. “It was just about being disciplined,” Greaves said. “From watching Mohammad Abbas in both the first and second innings, we tried to mimic that and it pretty much worked out well for us.”
Captain’s Honest Assessment
Babar did not shy away from addressing his team’s shortcomings. “This surface is good. We have to expect it to be a bit up and down at this stage and also the movement with the new ball. We prepared for this,” he. “But they bowled very well, using the conditions, and we just couldn’t get a partnership going.”
West Indies captain Roston Chase celebrated his second win in three Tests, praising his team’s collective effort. “I love how this team is going,” Chase said. “We’re not depending on one or two guys solely. Everyone is chipping in at crucial times.”
The second and final Test begins Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, with Pakistan desperate to halt a losing streak that is plunging their Test fortunes deeper into crisis.
