Pakistan defeated West Indies by 127 runs in the first Test of their two-match series, taking a 1-0 lead, thanks to exceptional performances from their spinners. Sajid Khan was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets in the West Indies’ second innings.
Chasing 251 to win, the West Indies started poorly, losing their captain Kraigg Brathwaite early for just 12 runs to Sajid Khan, leaving them at 16/1. Sajid struck again soon after, removing Keacy Carty for six, reducing the visitors to 26/2.
He continued to dominate, dismissing Kavem Hodge for a duck and Mikyle Louis for 13. Noman Ali also chipped in with a wicket, removing Justin Greaves for nine. Despite a 41-run partnership between Athanaze and Imlach, the West Indies struggled to build any momentum.
Abrar Ahmed made crucial contributions, dismissing Imlach and Sinclair, leaving the West Indies with just three wickets remaining. He then removed Gudakesh Motie for a golden duck. Sajid capped off his brilliant performance by claiming his fifth wicket, sending Alick Athanaze back to the pavilion for 55, while Abrar wrapped up the match by dismissing the last West Indies batter. The West Indies were bowled out for 123, and Pakistan secured a comfortable win.
Earlier in the match, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican had a career-best performance, taking 7/32 to bowl Pakistan out for 157 in their second innings. Pakistan, who resumed their second innings at 109/3, suffered a collapse, with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan falling cheaply. Kamran Ghulam’s 27 provided brief resistance, but Warrican continued to take wickets, including dismissing Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and running out Khurram Shahzad. The final wicket fell when Gudakesh Motie dismissed Salman Ali Agha for 14, leaving Pakistan all out in 46.4 overs.
Earlier, Pakistan had gained a 93-run lead by bowling out West Indies for 137 in the first innings. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were the standout bowlers, taking four and five wickets, respectively.
Pakistan’s second innings began solidly, with Shan Masood (52) and Mohammad Huraira (29) adding 50 runs for the opening wicket. However, a mix-up led to Masood’s run-out, and Warrican sparked a collapse.
With West Indies chasing 251, they will look to build a strong response when play resumes.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.
