Pakistan clinches 127-run victory in first Test against West Indies

Pakistan secured a 127-run victory in the first Test against West Indies, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after a dramatic third day. The match saw a total of 17 wickets fall in just two sessions, with Pakistan's spinners, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed, playing key roles in the win.

After posting 230 in their first innings, Pakistan collapsed in their second innings, losing seven wickets for just 48 runs. Jomel Warrican's brilliant bowling effort, which earned him career-best figures of 7-32, helped West Indies reduce Pakistan to 157 all out. Despite the collapse, Pakistan's strong first-innings lead and their spin attack were enough to seal the victory.

In the second innings, West Indies began their chase of 251 runs with positive intent, knowing they needed to attack to have any chance of success. The breakthrough came early, however, as Pakistan's spinners, particularly Sajid, found plenty of turn off the footmarks. He struck with key dismissals, sending back skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and then getting rid of Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge to reduce West Indies to 37-4.

Noman Ali, who had not bowled in the first hour, also made an impact with a wicket just before lunch, leaving West Indies in a tough position at 54-5. After lunch, Alick Athanaze fought hard for West Indies, scoring 55 runs, the only half-century in the match for West Indies. However, his resistance was broken when Sajid bowled dismisses him with a straight delivery.

Abrar Ahmed was brought into the attack and immediately made a difference, dismissing Tevin Imlach with a beautiful ball that clipped his outside edge. The pressure mounted, and Abrar quickly claimed another two wickets, including a stunning catch by Salman Agha at first slip to dismiss Kevin Sinclair.

With Athanaze’s wicket, West Indies were on the brink of defeat, and Abrar sealed the win for Pakistan when a reverse sweep attempt from Jomel Warrican hit the stumps.

Earlier, Pakistan’s second innings had been marked by a dramatic collapse. After a strong partnership between Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71) in the first innings, the rest of the batting order fell apart under pressure from Warrican and the West Indian spinners. Warrican claimed his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket as Pakistan were bowled out for 157 in the second innings.

Despite their batting struggles, Pakistan's spin trio of Sajid, Noman and Abrar proved too much for West Indies. Sajid took 5 wickets for 50 runs, while Abrar finished with 4 for 27 and Noman Ali finished with a wicket in second innings. The West Indies’ challenge faded as they were bowled out for just 123 in 36.3 overs, handing Pakistan a well-deserved victory.

The match, which had seen dramatic shifts in momentum, ended with Pakistan leading the series 1-0, and West Indies left with plenty of work to do ahead of the second Test.

Teams:

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.  

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Alick Athanaze, Tevin Imlach (wk), Kavem Hodge, Kevin Sinclair, Justin Greaves, Gudakesh Motie, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.