TAROUBA – Pakistan enjoyed another disciplined outing with the ball, but a resolute unbeaten half-century from Kavem Hodge helped West Indies recover to 127-3 in 43 overs by tea on the opening day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday.
The rain-affected opening day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 fixture saw Pakistan seize the early initiative through Mohammad Abbas, only for Hodge to anchor the innings with a determined knock after the hosts found themselves under sustained pressure. Rain had forced an early lunch with West Indies struggling at 23-1 in 14.1 overs, following Abbas’ dismissal of Brandon King for 12.
The experienced Pakistani pacer continued to trouble the home batters with his trademark accuracy, finishing the second session with impressive figures of 2-40 in 15 overs, including five maidens. After the resumption, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Hodge rebuilt cautiously, adding 51 runs for the second wicket. Chanderpaul showed patience during his 77-ball stay before Aamer Jamal broke the partner-ship, inducing an edge that was comfortably taken by Salman Ali Agha. The opener contributed a hard-fought 21. West Indies found fresh momentum through Amir Jangoo, who played positively for his 21 off 32 balls, striking two fours and a six. However, Abbas struck again, trapping the left-hander leg-before to re-store Pakistan’s control with the score on 106. Hodge, meanwhile, remained unshaken throughout the session.
The left-hander displayed sound technique and admirable composure to register his fourth Test half-century, reaching the milestone in 100 deliveries with nine crisp boundaries. His unbeaten 56 ensured the hosts weathered Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack. At the other end, wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope was unbeaten on 11, as the pair safely negotiated the closing overs before tea.
Scores in Brief
WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS (Tea, Day One): 127-3 (Kavem Hodge 56*, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 21, Amir Jangoo 21; M Abbas 2-40, Aamer Jamal 1-29) vs PAKISTAN.
