Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had high hopes from Babar Azam after he was reinstated as Test captain ahead of tour of West Indies. But, Babar’s return could not put them back on the winning track as they lost to the Roston Chase-led West Indies by 90 runs at Brian Lara Stadium on July 28. On Day 4, in the run chase of 211, Pakistan were bowled out of 120. Jayden Seales bagged a fifer as West Indies paid tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers on his birth anniversary.
West Indies post challenging target
West Indies were 126/7 at the start of Day 4. Shamar Joseph's cameo was ended by Mohammad Ali. He got bowled for a 27-ball 38 featuring one four and four sixes. He shared a 61-run partnership with Kemar Roach. Abbas ended Roach's stay at the crease too. He faced 63 balls to score 18 runs. Jomel Warrican contributed with 14 runs from 20 balls. Abbas completed his fifer as West Indies were bowled out for 181 in 54.5 overs, setting a target of 211.
Another Pakistan batting collapse
Roach and Seales got openers Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais out for single-digit scores respectively. As centurion of first innings, Shan Masood suffered a fractured finger, Babar walked out to bat at no.3. But, Salman Agha disappointed again, getting out lbw to Seales for a six-ball duck. The hero of first innings, Justin Greaves made his presence count with wickets of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Aamer Jamal as Pakistan lost five wickets for 50 runs. Ali Usman couldn't make an impact as Roach returned to dismiss him.
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Masood bats despite fracture
At 53/6, Masood braved a fractured finger to walk out to bat. Babar was looking to build a partnership. But, Masood could only last 15 balls. He lost his wicket to Seales. Then, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali lost their wickets to Seales and Joseph respectively. Pakistan were reduced to 71/9 in the 29th over.
Babar’s fifty, Abbas’ cameo in vain
Babar did not look to keep the strike with himself. He reached his fifty from 81 deliveries. Abbas responded with boundaries, taking Pakistan past the 100-run mark. But, the fightback did not last long in the final session of Day 4. Seales bowled a nip-backer that trapped Abbas in front of the stumps. He reviewed the decision but it wasn't overturned as it was umpire's call. Abbas fell after scoring 23 runs from 33 balls. Babar remained stranded on 58 from 107 deliveries.
Greaves was named 'Player of the match' for his record-breaking five consecutive maiden overs in Pakistan's first innings.
Pakistan's fourth consecutive loss, Pakistan have slipped to the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. Their win percentage has plunged to 6.67.