TAROUBA: In a gripping morning session of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Pakistan's bowlers showcased their skills, claiming four wickets and regaining control over the West Indies. Despite their efforts, Shai Hope's resilient unbeaten 89 and a late surge from Shamar Joseph propelled the West Indies to a total of 303-7 at lunch on the second day of play.
Resuming their innings at 194-3, the West Indies faced immediate pressure as Pakistan's Khurram Shahzad struck with the very first ball of the day, dismissing Kavem Hodge. Hodge, who had played a crucial role the previous day with a gritty 84 runs off 183 balls, fell victim to a loose shot that resulted in an edge to Salman Ali Agha at second slip.
Following Hodge's departure, Pakistan's Mohammad Ali continued to apply pressure, removing Justin Greaves for 15 runs. Ali's disciplined bowling consistently targeted the channel outside off stump, ultimately leading to another catch by Salman Agha. Meanwhile, Hope remained steadfast at the crease, having started the day on 39, and he reached his seventh Test half-century, moving to 89 not out from 176 balls, which included six boundaries and a six.
Roston Chase attempted to accelerate the scoring but was dismissed for just 10 runs by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed his third wicket of the match. Abbas found the outside edge, allowing wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to complete the catch. Khurram Shahzad then struck again, sending Kemar Roach back to the pavilion for three runs, with Babar Azam taking the catch at slip.
At 274-7, Joseph entered the fray and immediately shifted the momentum. He hit Abbas for a six over long-on and followed it up with two boundaries off Khurram, helping the West Indies surpass the 300-run mark. The morning session yielded 109 runs but also saw four wickets fall, giving Pakistan a significant advantage after the West Indies had looked well-placed at the start.
The first day of the Test was marred by rain interruptions, limiting play. However, Hodge's resilient innings, supported by Hope, had initially guided the West Indies to a solid position after being reduced to 106-3. Hodge's application was commendable as he faced 181 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries, while Hope batted with poise, contributing 39 not out alongside Hodge.
Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Abbas, who finished the day with figures of 2 for 44 from 19 overs, found the pitch challenging. Abbas noted the slow nature of the surface, which had been covered prior to the match, making it difficult for bowlers to extract movement. Despite this, the seam attack managed to keep the West Indies batsmen in check, with debutant left-arm spinner Ali Usman bowling 12 economical overs without taking a wicket.
As the match progresses, the West Indies will look to build on their total, while Pakistan aims to capitalize on their bowling performance to restrict the hosts further.
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