A Jayden Seales five-wicket haul proved decisive as the West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test of their two-match series, played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago. The fast bowler claimed figures of 5-20 in Pakistan’s second innings, the fourth five-wicket haul of his career, to seal a commanding result on day four and hand his side a 1-0 series lead.
How the West Indies vs Pakistan First Test Unfolded
The match swung West Indies’ way after they secured a 29-run first-innings lead. They then added 181 in their second innings, setting Pakistan a fourth-innings target of 211. It proved well beyond the tourists, who folded for 120 in a little over 40 overs as the West Indies pace attack, led by Seales, ran through the batting order.
Pakistan slumped to 71 for 9 before captain Babar Azam, unbeaten on 58, found brief support from number 11 Mohammad Abbas, who made 23. Their late partnership delayed the finish but could not prevent defeat, with one full day of play still remaining when the match ended.
Jayden Seales’ Five-Wicket Haul Seals the Result
Seales was the standout performer of the Test, and his second-innings burst was central to Pakistan’s collapse. Alongside his fellow pace bowlers, he delivered a display that left Pakistan with no answers on a pitch that offered plenty for the seamers. His five-wicket haul included the crucial dismissal of Pakistan’s Shan Masood, who had fractured a finger during his first-innings knock of 109 and was forced to bat at number eight in the second innings. Masood managed just three runs before falling to Seales.
Chase Dedicates Win to Garry Sobers
West Indies captain Roston Chase spoke after the match about the emotional backdrop to the victory, dedicating it to West Indies great Garry Sobers, who died earlier in July. Chase said the team had discussed honouring Sobers before the match began and hoped he was “smiling down” on them. He also praised the depth of his squad, noting that the team was not reliant on one or two individuals, with contributions coming from across the group at key moments.
Babar Azam Reflects on Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Babar, who carried Pakistan’s innings with his unbeaten half-century, was candid about where his side fell short. He pointed to a lack of partnerships as the main reason for the defeat, admitting the batting unit lost wickets in clusters and that building stands through the innings is an area the team needs to address going forward.
What’s Next in the Series
With the first Test wrapped up inside four days, attention turns to the second and final match of the series, which begins in Port of Spain. Pakistan will need a much-improved batting performance if they are to level the series, while West Indies will look to build on the momentum generated by Seales and their seam bowling unit in Tarouba.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 30th, 2026
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