Pakistan struggle to break West Indies resistance on opening day of first Test

WEB DESK: Pakistan found it difficult to make further inroads after early breakthroughs as West Indies finished the opening day of the first Test on 194-3 despite rain interruptions and bad light.

After winning the toss, the hosts chose to bat first, but persistent rain restricted the morning session to just 14.1 overs. Once play resumed, Pakistan’s bowlers kept things tight, but the West Indies batters showed patience and discipline to frustrate the visitors.

Pakistan made an encouraging start with Mohammad Abbas dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo to leave the hosts under early pressure.

However, Keacy Carty and captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a resilient partnership, denying Pakistan further success for most of the day. Brandon King was dismissed for 12, while Carty went on to score an unbeaten half-century. Hope also remained unbeaten as the pair guided West Indies to a commanding position by stumps.

Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming two wickets with his trademark accuracy and making the most of the assistance available after the rain. However, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their early momentum as the hosts gradually took control.

Play was brought to an early close after fading light forced the umpires to take the players off the field. Although there was a brief wait in the hope of resuming play, conditions failed to improve.

West Indies will resume on 194-3 on the second day, while Pakistan will be hoping for early wickets to prevent the hosts from posting a substantial first-innings total.