TAROUBA, Trinidad : Fast bowler Jayden Seales claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in test cricket as West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening test at the Brian Lara Stadium on Tuesday.
After securing a first-innings lead of 29 runs, West Indies were dismissed for 181 in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 211.
Seales led a disciplined pace attack with figures of 5-20 as the hosts bowled Pakistan out for 120 in just over 40 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 58 and shared a last-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas, who made 23, but the result was effectively settled after the visitors collapsed to 71-9.
Shan Masood, who fractured a finger while scoring 109 in Pakistan’s first innings, batted at number eight and managed only three before becoming one of Seales’ five victims.
West Indies captain Roston Chase dedicated the victory to Caribbean cricket great Garry Sobers, who died earlier this month.
“We wanted to make him proud and had a chat about it before the match. I hope he is smiling down on us,” Chase said.
“I love the direction this team is heading. We’re not relying on one or two players; everyone is chipping in at crucial moments.”
Babar said Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships proved decisive.
“Today, as a batting unit, we weren’t up to the mark. We kept losing wickets back-to-back and the batting failed. That’s something we’re working on,” he said.
The second and final test begins in Port of Spain on Sunday.
