Pakistan keep West Indies in check on rain-hit opening day

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack restricted West Indies to 194 for three on a rain- and bad-light-affected opening day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Saturday. After West Indies elected to bat, experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas provided Pakistan with the early breakthrough, dismissing Brandon King for 12. King attempted to cut a delivery close to his body but dragged the ball onto his stumps, leaving the hosts at 13 for one. Only 14. 1 overs were possible during the morning session due to rain, with West Indies reaching 23 for one at lunch. Pakistan’s seamers maintained tight lines and made scoring difficult in helpful conditions. Following the resumption, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kavem Hodge added 51 runs for the second wicket before Aamir Jamal struck in his first over. Chanderpaul, who scored 21, edged a delivery outside off stump to Salman Ali Agha at second slip. Abbas then claimed his second wicket when Amir Jangoo was trapped leg-before for 21. The on-field decision was overturned after Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted for a successful review, reducing West Indies to 106 for three. Hodge, however, led the hosts’ recovery with an unbeaten 83 from 181 balls, including nine fours. He received valuable support from Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 39 as the pair added an unbroken 88 runs for the fourth wicket. Pakistan continued to maintain pressure throughout the final session, with Abbas, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali keeping the scoring rate under control. Test debutant Ali Usman also bowled 12 overs and conceded 34 runs. Play was called off after 67 overs due to bad light, with the hosts closing on 194 for three.

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