Batting Collapse Hands Pakistan Heavy Defeat in Tarouba Test

Pakistan suffered a crushing 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the opening Test of the two-match series after being bowled out for just 120 while chasing 211 on the fourth day at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

Resuming after the Tea interval at 114/9, Pakistan’s hopes rested on captain Babar Azam and last man Mohammad Abbas. However, the resistance lasted only six more runs before Jayden Seales trapped Abbas lbw in the second over of the final session to seal the victory for the hosts.

Babar remained unbeaten on 58 from 107 deliveries and was the only Pakistan batter to offer meaningful resistance. Abbas contributed a valuable 23 off 33 balls in a spirited last-wicket stand worth 43 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan was the only other batter to reach double figures with 11.

Seales starred with the ball, claiming outstanding figures of 5/20 in 14.2 overs. Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves picked up two wickets each, while Shamar Joseph added one.

Earlier in the afternoon session, Babar and Rizwan attempted to steady the innings with a 21-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Greaves dismissed Rizwan. Pakistan’s batting then collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for the addition of just 25 runs to slump to 71/9.

Babar and Abbas briefly delayed the inevitable by frustrating the West Indies attack with an unbeaten last-wicket partnership, during which the Pakistan skipper completed his 32nd Test half-century and guided the total beyond 100.

Pakistan’s chase had begun poorly in the morning when Kemar Roach had Imam-ul-Haq caught behind for three. Debut opener Azan Awais also managed just three before edging Seales behind, while Salman Ali Agha was trapped lbw by the same bowler without scoring, leaving Pakistan reeling at 25/3.

Earlier in the day, West Indies resumed their second innings at 126/7 and added another 55 runs before being dismissed for 181, setting Pakistan a target of 211 after taking a 29-run first-innings lead.

Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach frustrated the visitors with a stubborn 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Mohammad Ali broke the stand by deceiving Joseph with a slower delivery. Joseph top-scored with an aggressive 38 from just 27 balls, including four sixes and a boundary.

Roach made 18 before offering a simple catch to Babar Azam off the bowling of Mohammad Abbas, while Jomel Warrican chipped in with 14 before Abbas cleaned him up.

Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with an impressive 5/22. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets apiece, while Aamir Jamal took one.

With the victory, West Indies took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.