Fast bowler Jayden Seales shines with five wickets as West Indies defeat Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 29, 2026 ALN: Fast bowler Jayden Seales produced a superb five-wicket haul as the West Indies bowled out Pakistan for just 120 to seal a commanding 90-run victory in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday.
This match marked a significant moment for both teams, as they sought to establish momentum early in the series. The West Indies, traditionally known for their explosive batting and fast bowling, have been working on rebuilding their Test side, while Pakistan, with its rich cricketing history, has been focusing on consistency and performance under pressure.
Set 211 to win after West Indies posted 311 and 155 in their two innings, Pakistan’s batting line-up collapsed under relentless pace bowling before captain Babar Azam and last man Mohammad Abbas delayed the inevitable with a defiant final-wicket stand. The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the West Indies showcasing their bowling prowess while Pakistan struggled to adapt.
Resuming after the tea interval on 114-9, Pakistan added only six runs before Seales trapped Abbas lbw in the second over after the break, ending the innings on 120. This collapse exemplified the challenges faced by the Pakistan batting order, which has often been criticized for its inability to handle pressure in crucial situations.
Babar carried his bat for an unbeaten 58 from 107 balls, while Abbas made a spirited 23 off 33 deliveries. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was the only other Pakistan batter to reach double figures with 11. Babar’s innings was a beacon of resilience amid the chaos, as he attempted to guide his team through a difficult chase.
Seales was the chief destroyer, returning outstanding figures of 5-20 in 14.2 overs, while Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves claimed two wickets apiece. Shamar Joseph also chipped in with one wicket. The West Indies bowlers executed their plans effectively, utilizing the conditions to their advantage and consistently applying pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.
Pakistan collapse
Pakistan resumed the afternoon session with Babar and Rizwan attempting to rebuild after an early collapse. The pair added 21 runs for the fourth wicket before Greaves bowled Rizwan, triggering another batting collapse. This moment was crucial, as it marked the beginning of the end for Pakistan’s chances in the match.
Pakistan then lost five wickets for just 25 runs to slump to 71-9, leaving Babar to salvage respectability alongside Abbas. The inability to form partnerships has been a recurring theme in Pakistan's recent Test performances, and this match was no exception.
The pair shared an unbeaten 43-run partnership for the final wicket, with Babar bringing up his 32nd Test half-century and guiding Pakistan beyond the 100-run mark before Seales wrapped up the innings. This partnership, although too late to change the outcome, demonstrated Babar's leadership and ability to perform under pressure.
Earlier, Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start when veteran pacer Roach had Imam-ul-Haq caught behind for three with only five runs on the board. Seales then struck twice in quick succession, removing Azan Awais for three before trapping Salman Ali Agha lbw without scoring as Pakistan slumped to 25-3 inside the opening session. The early wickets set a negative tone for the rest of the innings, as the West Indies bowlers capitalized on the fragile confidence of the Pakistani batsmen.
West Indies had resumed the fourth day on 126-7, holding a lead of just 29 runs after dismissing Pakistan for 282 in reply to their first-innings total of 311. The West Indies were looking to extend their lead and put pressure on Pakistan, and they managed to do so effectively.
The home side added a valuable 55 runs for their remaining three wickets to stretch their advantage and set Pakistan a target of 211. This effort was critical in establishing a competitive target, one that would test the resolve of the Pakistani batting order.
The overnight pair of Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers with a 61-run stand before Mohammad Ali finally broke through with a slower delivery that deceived Joseph. Joseph top-scored in the second innings with a brisk 38 off 27 balls, striking four sixes and one four. His aggressive batting provided a much-needed boost to the West Indies' total, showcasing the potential for explosive performances within their lineup.
Roach contributed a patient 18 before offering a simple catch to Babar at short cover off Abbas, while Jomel Warrican added a useful 14 lower down the order. The contributions from lower-order batsmen are often crucial in Test matches, and the West Indies capitalized on this to set a challenging target for Pakistan.
Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 5-22 in 15.5 overs. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad took two wickets each, while Aamir Jamal claimed one. Abbas's performance was a silver lining for Pakistan in an otherwise disappointing outing, highlighting his ability to lead the bowling attack effectively.
The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, with Seales’ match-winning spell and disciplined pace attack proving too strong for Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up. This result not only boosts the West Indies' confidence but also raises questions about Pakistan's batting depth and their ability to perform in challenging conditions.
The implications of this match extend beyond the immediate series. For West Indies, this victory serves as a reminder of their potential when their bowling attack fires on all cylinders. They will look to build on this momentum in the second Test, aiming for a series victory that could mark a turning point in their Test cricket journey.
On the other hand, Pakistan will need to regroup and address their batting frailties if they hope to level the series. The coaching staff and selectors will be under pressure to make the necessary adjustments, as the team seeks to restore its reputation as a competitive force in Test cricket.
As the two teams prepare for the second Test, all eyes will be on their respective strategies and adjustments. The West Indies will aim to continue their dominance, while Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and prove their resilience in the face of adversity.
To learn more about the latest developments in Cricket, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AiLensNews.
