West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs on the fourth day of the first Test in Trinidad on Tuesday. Pakistan collapsed to 120 all out off 40.2 overs chasing a target of 211 on a deteriorating surface.
Jayden Seales claimed five for 20, trapping Mohammad Abbas leg-before for 23 to end the match just after tea. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 58. Abbas and Babar added 49 runs for the last wicket after Pakistan subsided to 71 for nine. The defeat marks Pakistan’s eighth consecutive away Test loss and their 13th defeat in their last 17 Tests.
Pakistan conceded a 29-run first innings deficit on the third day after losing seven wickets for 38 runs. Shamar Joseph contributed an adventurous 38 off 27 balls as West Indies reached 181 in their second innings on the fourth morning. Shan Masood batted with a fractured finger sustained during his first innings century before falling to Seales at backward point.
Justin Greaves earned the player of the match award with match figures of seven for 39.
“It was just about being disciplined,” said Greaves. “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.”
Babar addressed his team’s batting performance after the loss.
“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 said. “But they bowled very well, using the conditions, and we just couldn’t get a partnership going.”
Roston Chase secured his second Test win in three matches as captain.
“I love how this team is going,” he said. “We’re not depending on one or two guys solely. Everyone is chipping in at crucial times.”
Chase also dedicated the victory to Sir Garfield Sobers.
“It is a great feeling to win this Test and we want to dedicate it to the late great Sir Garfield Sobers. We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us,” said Chase.
The second and final Test begins on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.
