Pakistan Seamers Dominate as Rain Disrupts Opening Day of First Test Against West Indies
- Pakistan reduced West Indies to 60-2 before rain halted play repeatedly.
- Mohammad Abbas and Aamer Jamal struck early to put the hosts under pressure.
- Persistent rain interrupted play several times on the opening day in Tarouba.
- Babar Azam began his second stint as Test captain with Pakistan in a strong position.
Pakistan’s pace attack made an impressive start against the West Indies as they picked up two early wickets on a rain-interrupted opening day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.
After winning the toss, West Indies chose to bat first, but Pakistan’s seamers quickly made use of the helpful conditions. Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas dismissed opener Brandon King for 12, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
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The visitors struck again when Aamer Jamal removed Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 21, leaving West Indies under pressure at 60-2 after 25.5 overs.
At the time play was halted, Kavem Hodge was unbeaten on 28, while captain Shai Hope remained at the crease as the pair attempted to rebuild the innings.
The opening day was heavily affected by weather, with rain forcing an early lunch and causing several interruptions throughout the day. Despite the delays, Pakistan’s bowlers consistently troubled the West Indies batters by exploiting seam movement and extra bounce available on the Tarouba surface.
The match is historic as it marks the first-ever Test played at the Tarouba venue, adding extra significance to the series opener.
The Test also marks the beginning of Babar Azam’s second tenure as Pakistan’s Test captain after Shan Masood was removed from the role. Babar entered the series with a relaxed approach and the backing of a strong bowling unit led by Mohammad Abbas and Aamer Jamal.
Pakistan also handed a Test debut to left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who received his maiden Test cap in an emotional pre-match presentation before taking the field for the first time in the longest format.
With favourable bowling conditions and two early wickets already secured, Pakistan will look to build further pressure when play resumes, while West Indies will hope Hodge and Hope can steady the innings after a difficult start.
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