West Indies finished the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at 194/3 after rain and poor light limited play to 67 overs. Kavem Hodge anchored the innings with an unbeaten 83, while Shai Hope added 39 not out in an unbroken 88 run partnership. Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets for Pakistan.
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| Mohammad Abbas claimed two wickets for Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test. |
West Indies ended Day 1 of the first Test against Pakistan at 194 for 3, with Kavem Hodge unbeaten 83 providing the foundation for a strong finish at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The opening day faced interruptions from rain and bad light, allowing only 67 overs of play.
Pakistan Mohammad Abbas produced the most effective spell for the visitors, taking two wickets, while Aamer Jamal claimed one. However, West Indies recovered well after losing three wickets and ended the day in a solid position.
Rain Restricts the Opening Session
West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first, but the weather immediately disrupted the contest. Only 14.1 overs were completed during the opening session, with the hosts reaching 23/1 before the players left the field.
The delayed start and subsequent interruptions meant both teams had to adjust to difficult conditions. Despite the limited playing time, Pakistan bowlers maintained pressure with disciplined new ball bowling.
Pakistan Make Early Inroads
Mohammad Abbas gave Pakistan an important breakthrough when he dismissed Brandon King for 12. The experienced fast bowler kept the West Indies batters under pressure and later added another wicket to finish the day as Pakistan leading wicket taker.
Chanderpaul and Hodge Stabilize the Innings
After the early dismissal, Tagenarine Chanderpaul joined Hodge at the crease. The pair added 51 runs for the second wicket before Chanderpaul departed for 21.
Hodge continued to build the innings patiently, showing the concentration required in Test cricket under interrupted conditions.
Hodge Anchors West Indies Recovery
The West Indies suffered another setback when Amir Jangoo was dismissed for 21, leaving the hosts at 106/3.
At that stage, Hodge became the key figure for the home side. He remained composed and continued to accumulate runs, eventually reaching an unbeaten 83 from 181 deliveries, including nine boundaries.
His innings became the central feature of West Indies recovery and allowed the hosts to finish the day without losing another wicket.
Shai Hope Joins Hodge in an Unbroken Stand
Shai Hope provided valuable support at the other end and remained unbeaten on 39. Together, Hope and Hodge added an unbeaten 88 run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Their stand shifted the momentum back toward West Indies after Pakistan had taken three early wickets. With both batters set at the crease, the hosts will hope to build a substantial first innings total when play resumes.
Mohammad Abbas Leads Pakistan Bowling Attack
Mohammad Abbas finished the day with 2 wickets, while Aamer Jamal took one. Pakistan bowling unit created early pressure, but the visitors could not capitalize fully after the third wicket.
The next phase of the innings will be crucial. Pakistan will aim to break the Hodge Hope partnership early, while West Indies will look to use the remaining batting depth to move beyond 300 runs.
Ali Usman Makes Test Debut
Pakistan handed a Test debut to 33 year old left arm spinner Ali Usman. He bowled 12 overs on the opening day and went wicketless as West Indies batters gradually settled into the innings.
What to Expect on Day 2
West Indies will resume with Hodge and Hope well established at the crease. The hosts have already recovered from a difficult start, and the first hour of Day 2 could prove decisive.
Pakistan immediate priority will be to dismiss Hodge, who has already spent significant time at the crease. If the visitors can quickly remove both unbeaten batters, they could regain control. If the partnership continues, West Indies could establish a strong first innings platform.
- Day 1 score: West Indies 194/3 after 67 overs
- Kavem Hodge: 83*
- Shai Hope: 39*
- Mohammad Abbas: 2 wickets
- Aamer Jamal: 1 wicket