Justin Greaves produced another composed performance as West Indies reached 239-5 against Pakistan on the opening day. Rain disrupted play at Queen’s Park Oval, but Greaves helped the hosts finish strongly. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 64 at stumps. Meanwhile, Roston Chase supported him with an unbeaten 36.
Their partnership had reached 66 runs by the close. Therefore, West Indies ended a difficult day with renewed confidence after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Greaves also impressed with the ball during the first Test. He claimed a career-best five for 27 and created Test history with five consecutive wicket-maiden overs.
Greaves Survives After Reaching Half-Century
Greaves reached his half-century and then received a major reprieve. Pakistan captain Babar Azam dropped a straightforward chance at leg slip.
Sajid Khan had created the opportunity with his off-spin. However, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the mistake.
Greaves also appeared to struggle with a left-leg injury. He suffered the problem while completing a quick run and received lengthy treatment.
Despite the discomfort, he continued batting and guided West Indies through the final stages. His unbeaten knock included several important contributions during a tense afternoon session.
West Indies Recover After Losing Key Wickets
Greaves entered the crease when West Indies stood at 91-3. Sajid Khan had just dismissed Kavem Hodge to give Pakistan another opening.
Soon after, debutant pacer Ubaid Shah claimed his first Test wicket. He removed Amir Jangoo with the first delivery of a new spell.
Pakistan sensed an opportunity to put West Indies under serious pressure. However, Greaves and Shai Hope responded with a valuable 53-run partnership.
Mohammad Ali eventually ended that stand. The seamer bowled Hope through an inside edge for 29.
That dismissal left West Indies struggling at 173-5. Nevertheless, Greaves and Chase steadied the innings and shifted momentum back toward the hosts.
Pakistan Drops Mohammad Abbas
Pakistan made a surprising selection decision before the match. The visitors left out Mohammad Abbas despite his outstanding performance in the first Test.
Abbas took eight wickets for 85 runs in that match. His second-innings figures of five for 22 also played a major role in Pakistan’s bowling effort.
Pakistan instead handed a Test debut to Awais Zafar. Shan Masood’s finger injury created the opening after his determined century in the first Test.
The visitors also selected Sajid Khan as an additional spin option. They paired him with debutant left-arm orthodox spinner Ali Usman.
Mohammad Ali Makes Early Impact
West Indies captain Roston Chase chose to bat first. The hosts then made a positive start through Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Brandon King.
The opening pair added 49 runs before Pakistan struck. Mohammad Ali forced Chanderpaul into a mistimed hook shot.
Sajid Khan took the catch at long leg, sending Chanderpaul back for 15. However, Pakistan missed several other chances during the early exchanges.
King and Chase both benefited from edges that flew through the vacant third-slip area. Moreover, Mohammad Ali asked Babar Azam to add another fielder to the slip cordon.
Pakistan eventually removed King after the rain interruption. Ali Usman trapped him leg before wicket for 46, securing his first Test wicket.
West Indies Hold Advantage After Rain Delay
Rain reduced the available playing time and interrupted West Indies’ momentum. Nevertheless, the hosts recovered through Greaves and Chase. Brandon King praised the contributions from Greaves, Hope, and Chase after play ended.
“We needed those partnerships at the end of the day and it was good to see those guys (Greaves, Hope and Chase) making those contributions,” said King.
“It would be nice if we get more of the same from them tomorrow and Justin and Roston can go on to get hundreds.”
West Indies will now aim to build a strong first-innings total on the second morning. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need early wickets to prevent Greaves and Chase from extending their partnership.
With Greaves unbeaten and Chase well-set, the hosts hold a promising position heading into the next session.
