The West Indies cricket team has achieved a resounding 90-run victory against Pakistan in the first of a two-match Test series. This win was secured at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, marking an impressive start to their campaign. Despite a valiant effort from Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, the West Indies' bowling attack proved too formidable, especially fast bowler Jayden Seales, who was instrumental in dismantling the opposition's batting lineup.
West Indies Outclass Pakistan in Opening Test
In a compelling display of Test cricket that concluded on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, the West Indies emerged victorious over Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test of their series. The crucial moments unfolded at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The West Indies, after setting Pakistan a target of 211 runs, saw their bowlers execute a disciplined performance to bowl out the visitors for just 120.
Jayden Seales, the dynamic fast bowler, was the undeniable star of the match. He tore through Pakistan's second innings, claiming an exceptional five wickets for merely 20 runs, effectively sealing the fate of the contest. Pakistan's batting order crumbled dramatically, finding themselves in a precarious position at 71 for 9. However, a defiant 49-run last-wicket partnership between captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas briefly delayed the inevitable. Abbas contributed 23 runs before Seales, in a fitting end to his brilliant spell, dismissed him shortly after the tea interval on Day 4, securing the victory for the West Indies.
Babar Azam's resilience was a highlight for Pakistan, as he remained unbeaten on 58, achieving his 32nd Test half-century. Unfortunately, his teammates failed to provide adequate support, with only 38 runs accumulated by the other batters by the time Babar reached his fifty. Following the defeat, Azam acknowledged the team's shortcomings in their batting performance, vowing to address these issues before the second Test, which is scheduled to commence on Sunday.
Pakistan's batting woes were not confined to the second innings. Their first innings also saw a significant collapse, where they lost six wickets for a mere 38 runs after being well-placed at 244 for 4, ultimately being bowled out for 282. This gave the West Indies a valuable 29-run first-innings lead, after they had posted 311 runs. Shan Masood's century and half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq (63) and Babar Azam were the only substantial contributions, highlighting a broader inconsistency within their batting lineup. An injury to Masood, forcing him to bat lower down the order, further compounded their difficulties.
The West Indies started Day 4 with a lead of 155 runs, reaching 126 for 7. Contributions from Shamar Joseph (adding 16 runs to his overnight score of 22) and Kemar Roach (13 runs) helped extend their advantage beyond 200, setting a challenging target for Pakistan. In their chase, Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed early for just three runs, setting a negative tone. Apart from Babar Azam, only Mohammad Rizwan managed double figures among the top six batsmen, scoring 11.
Seales received excellent backing from fellow bowlers Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves, each taking two wickets. Seales' five-wicket haul was his fifth in Test cricket, completing it by trapping Abbas lbw. Justin Greaves was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, having also taken 5 for 27 in Pakistan's first innings. For Pakistan, Abbas was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 3 for 63 and 5 for 22 across the two West Indies innings.
This match underscores the unpredictable and captivating nature of Test cricket. The West Indies' victory, spearheaded by Seales' exceptional bowling and a collective team effort, demonstrates their growing prowess in the long format of the game. For Pakistan, it serves as a critical wake-up call to address their batting frailties and regroup for the upcoming decisive second Test. The resilience shown by Babar Azam, despite the team's struggles, highlights his individual class, but cricket remains a team sport where collective performance ultimately dictates success.
