Babar Azam's return as Pakistan Test captain ends in crushing defeat to West Indies

Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Test captain ended in a crushing 90-run defeat as the West Indies rode on a relentless pace attack to win the opening Test in Tarouba on Monday and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Jayden Seales starred with a five-wicket haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 120 in 40.4 overs while chasing 211. This was Pakistan’s eighth successive away loss in Test cricket, extending their worst run on the road. The victory also came on an emotional day for the hosts, who paid tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers on what would have been the West Indies legend’s 90th birth anniversary.

West Indies vs Pakistan, 1st Test Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS

Pakistan resumed Day 4 hoping to wrap up the West Indies innings quickly after reducing them to 93 for 7 late on the third day. Instead, Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach frustrated the visitors with a 61-run eighth-wicket stand. Joseph played aggressively, striking a straight six off Khurram Shahzad before Mohammad Ali eventually broke the partnership with a slower delivery. The last two wickets added another 27 runs before Mohammad Abbas finished with five wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 238, setting Pakistan a target of 211.

The chase fell apart almost immediately. Seales and Roach found movement with the new ball, reducing Pakistan to 27 for 3 before lunch. Imam-ul-Haq edged behind, Azan Awais nicked an expansive drive, and Salman Ali Agha was trapped lbw by a Seales delivery that jagged back sharply.

Justin Greaves tightened the screws after the interval. He bowled Mohammad Rizwan with his first legitimate delivery before trapping Aamer Jamal lbw. Debutant Ali Usman’s first Test ended with an edge to second slip, while Shan Masood, batting with a fractured finger sustained in the first innings, could only manage a brief stay before chipping a catch to backward point.

Babar offered the only meaningful resistance. The Pakistan captain completed his 32nd Test half-century and shared a last-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas, who played positively to prolong the contest. However, Babar received little support from the rest of the batting order as Pakistan slipped further towards defeat.

Seales returned after tea to trap Abbas lbw and complete his five-wicket haul, sealing a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

The West Indies pace attack shared nine wickets, exposing Pakistan’s fragile batting throughout the chase. For Babar, the return to the Test captaincy began with another disappointing away defeat as Pakistan’s struggles outside home continued.

– Ends