West Indies secure 90-run victory over Pakistan in first Test

By Sanjay Menon — 28 July 2026 — 4 min read

The West Indies have secured a 90-run victory against Pakistan in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win came on day four, just after tea, with Jayden Seales leading the bowling attack with figures of 5-20.

Pakistan, chasing a target of 211 for victory, were bowled out for 120 in their second innings. The team faced a collapse, being reduced to 71-9 at one point, on a pitch that was reportedly deteriorating. Despite a resilient 10th-wicket partnership of 49 runs between captain Babar Azam and Muhammad Abbas, the West Indies ultimately sealed the win.

Babar Azam remained unbeaten with 58 runs, but his efforts were not enough to prevent the defeat. Seales concluded the match by trapping Abbas lbw for 23. This loss marks Pakistan’s eighth consecutive defeat in Tests away from home.

Pakistan’s Batting Collapse

Pakistan’s chase began to unravel before lunch on day four. Jayden Seales was instrumental in breaking through the top order, removing Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, and Salman Agha. The early wickets left Pakistan reeling at 27 for 3 before the lunch break.

After the interval, Justin Greaves continued to apply pressure, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan and then trapping Aamer Jamal lbw. Debutante Ali Usman also fell, edging to second slip. Shan Masood, who was batting with a fractured finger, briefly delayed the inevitable but eventually spooned a catch to backward point as Pakistan’s resistance faded.

Babar Azam’s 32nd Test half-century provided a lone spark in an otherwise challenging batting performance. He found some temporary support from Mohammad Abbas, who swung freely to extend the match. However, with limited support from the rest of the lineup, Pakistan was unable to mount a successful chase.

The West Indies fast bowlers accounted for nine of the ten wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, highlighting the pressure on the visiting team’s batting lineup. This result marks a difficult start for Babar Azam’s second tenure as Pakistan Test captain.

West Indies’ Performance and Tribute

The West Indies had resumed their second innings on 126-7 and managed to add 55 runs for their last three wickets during the morning session. Shamar Joseph was the top scorer for the hosts with 38 runs off 27 balls, including four sixes, while Kemar Roach contributed a determined 18 runs off 63 balls.

Mohammad Abbas was the most effective bowler for Pakistan in the West Indies’ second innings, claiming 5-22. In the first innings, Justin Greaves had an impressive spell on day three, taking five wickets for no runs during a series of five wicket maidens.

West Indies captain Roston Chase dedicated the victory to the late Sir Garfield Sobers, who would have turned 90 on the day of the win. Chase expressed the team’s desire to make him proud and thanked the Trinidad crowd for their support, noting that their energy contributed to the team’s performance.

This victory gives the West Indies a crucial lead in the two-match series. Pakistan will have an opportunity to level the series in the second Test, which is scheduled to begin on 2 August in Port of Spain.

The return of Babar Azam as Pakistan Test captain has been a subject of discussion, with some suggesting it could put pressure on his batting performance. Mohammad Amir, for instance, had previously stated that re-taking the captaincy might endanger his returns with the bat. Babar had stepped down from the role in July 2023 but reassumed leadership earlier this month, replacing Shan Masood for the tours of West Indies and England.

Historically, Pakistan captains have faced significant off-field pressures. Despite his struggles with the bat in recent years, Babar Azam had shown strong form in the PSL, where he was the highest run-scorer with 588 runs at an average of 73.5 and a strike rate of 145.9, including three fifties and two centuries. He also scored 68 and 47 in the only Test he played on the Bangladesh tour.

In his previous tenure as Pakistan Test captain, Babar Azam had a strong batting record, accumulating 1750 runs in 36 innings at an average of 50, with four centuries and 11 fifties. Under his earlier captaincy, Pakistan won 10 out of 20 Tests, losing six and drawing four. In contrast, Shan Masood, whom Babar replaced, won only four out of 16 Tests as captain.

The upcoming second Test in Port of Spain will be a critical match for Pakistan as they aim to bounce back and level the series, starting on 2 August.

Source: bbc.com