Read the full match report of the 1st Test in Tarouba as Jayden Seales’ five-wicket haul powers West Indies to a crushing 90-run victory over Pakistan.
An Unforgettable Day of Pace Dominance in Trinidad
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba witnessed an absolute masterclass of fast-bowling aggression as the West Indies demolished Pakistan by 90 runs on Day 4 of the first Test. In a match that ebbed and flowed with high-octane drama, the Men in Maroon unleashed a devastating pace battery that tore through a fragile Pakistani batting lineup in just over a single session. The crushing victory gave the hosts a well-deserved 1-0 lead in the two-match series and reignited the iconic spirit of West Indian fast bowling.
The triumph carried emotional significance, coming on the exact day the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers turned 90. Following the match, captain Roston Chase dedicated the memorable victory to the icon, expressing hope that the great all-rounder was smiling down on the stadium. See also: Zoe Hobbs Storms to Historic Women’s 100m Gold
Tense Morning Exchanges Set Up a Tricky Target
The fourth morning started with the West Indies looking to build on their overnight advantage. Resuming at a tense 126 for 7, the lower order understood that every run was worth its weight in gold. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph provided a vital, explosive cameo, smashing a swift 38 off just 27 balls, including four towering sixes. His counter-attacking knock, alongside veteran support from Kemar Roach (18), pushed the second-innings total to 181.
Pakistan’s seasoned seamer Mohammad Abbas wrapped up the tail to complete a magnificent five-wicket haul, finishing with exceptional figures of 5 for 22. His stellar work ensured the visitors were set a highly competitive but achievable target of 211 to win the Test match.
Seales and Greaves Unleash a Hurricane Collapse
Chasing 211 on a deteriorating, up-and-down Caribbean surface was always going to require patience, but Pakistan’s reply quickly descended into absolute disaster. The opening pairing of Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais fell early to the relentless new-ball accuracy of Jayden Seales, departing for just three runs each.
When the dangerous Salman Ali Agha was trapped leg-before for a duck, the scoreboard read a shocking 25 for 3. The visitors were further handicapped by an unfortunate hand injury to Shan Masood, who had struck a classic 109 in the first innings but was forced to drop down to number eight in the order.
Player of the Match Justin Greaves kept the pressure red-hot from the opposite end. Having already stunned Pakistan with a historic 5 for 27 in the first innings—which included a record-breaking five consecutive wicket maidens—Greaves picked up two more crucial scalps. Pakistan simply could not find answers to the discipline of the home side’s bowling, rapidly sliding to a humiliating 71 for 9.
Babar Holds Firm Amidst the Carnage
While wickets tumbled at catastrophic speeds around him, captain Babar Azam stood entirely alone like a defiant fortress. Reappointed to lead the Test side, the star batter compiled a masterly, unbeaten 58 from 107 deliveries. His 32nd Test half-century stood out in stark relief; while he kept the scoreboard ticking with nine exquisite boundaries, the rest of the top nine batters combined scored a mere 38 runs.
Refusing to surrender easily, Babar finally found a stoic, brave ally in number 11 Mohammad Abbas. The final pair put up an unexpected, gritty rearguard stand of 49 runs, surviving for 12 intense overs to frustrate the hosts and delay the inevitable celebration past the tea interval.
Five-Star Seales Seals the Epic Victory
However, the mountain proved far too high to climb. In the 41st over of the match, Seales returned for a final, aggressive burst. He fired a fast, full delivery that trapped Abbas leg-before for a fighting 23, ending the innings at 120 all out.
The dismissal completed a breathtaking five-wicket haul for Seales, who finished with magnificent figures of 5 for 20. A jubilant West Indies team walked off the ground to a standing ovation, celebrating a perfect display of teamwork and collective belief. As both units prepare to head to the Port of Spain for the grand finale, the West Indies stand tall with all the momentum in their favor.