WI vs PAK 1st Test: Kavem Hodge’s unbeaten 83 helps West Indies reach 194/3 against Pakistan on rain-hit first day | Cricket News

New Delhi: Calvin Hodge An unbeaten 83 led West Indies to an unbeaten 194/3 at stumps in the first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Saturday, which was hampered by heavy rain.Due to rain and poor light, play was curtailed and only 67 overs could be played on the first day. Hodge was at the crease throughout the day and was joined by Shai Hope, who remains unbeaten on 39 runs. The duo completed an uninterrupted 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting West Indies in a favorable position.

Pakistan strikes ahead of schedule

Pakistan got an early breakthrough when fast bowler Mohammad Abbas dismissed Brandon King for 12 in the ninth over. West Indies had a slow run in the opening over and the score was 13/1.

After lunch, although the pitch became more challenging after the rain, the home team resumed their counterattack under the leadership of Hodge.Tagnarin Chanderpaul The score of 21 was lost to Aamer Jamal, who returned to the Pakistan Test team after an 18-month break. Amir Jangoo also made 21 before Abbas trapped him.

Hodge passed the review and turned fifty

Hodge remained calm throughout the match and completed his fourth Test half-century with eight fours off 86 balls.He also survived when Abbas hit his pads. The on-field umpire ruled him out, but Pakistan’s decision was overturned after replays showed the ball bounced off the stumps.Hope gave him solid support and faced 91 deliveries in front of the stumps.

Abbas impressed with his ball

Abbas was Pakistan’s best bowler and ended the day with figures of 2/44 in 19 overs.Left-arm spinner Usman Ali made his Test debut at the age of 33 and showed good signs with his sharp turns on the water.

Chase elects to bat first

West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and decided to bat. The decision initially looked risky as Pakistan’s bowlers took control of the score in the first session.However, the home team recovered well in the second and third periods thanks to Hodge’s patient play.

There have been changes in the lineups of both sides

Pakistan are playing under the captaincy of Babar Azam, who returned as captain after Shan Masood was removed following 12 losses in 16 Tests. Pakistan are also seeking their first away Test win since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023.The visitors were without opener Abdullah Fazal, who has been ruled out of this series and the upcoming tour of England with a lower back injury. Imam-ul-Haq returns to partner Azan Awais.With Alzarri Joseph out of the series, West Indies have fielded three fast bowlers – Kemar Roach, Shamal Joseph and Jaden Sears. Jomel Warrican is the specialist spinner of the team.Both teams enter the series with one win each on the World Test Championship points table.

Tribute to Garfield Sobers

Before the match began, players and match officials from both teams observed a minute’s silence to pay tribute to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who died earlier this month at the age of 89.West Indies players and match officials also wore black armbands as a sign of respect.