PORT OF SPAIN: Justin Greaves produced a determined unbeaten half-century to guide the West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on the opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday.
Greaves remained unbeaten on 64, while captain Roston Chase was 36 not out, with the pair sharing an unbroken 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket before bad light forced an early end to play after 74 overs.
Earlier, Greaves had added 53 runs for the fifth wicket with Shai Hope, who contributed a patient 29, helping the hosts recover after a middle-order wobble on a pitch that increasingly offered assistance to the spinners.
West Indies made a positive start after winning the toss and electing to bat. Opener Brandon King led the charge with an aggressive 46 off 50 balls, striking nine boundaries during a brisk 49-run opening stand with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (15). However, persistent rain limited the morning session to just 9.5 overs.
Pakistan fought back in the extended afternoon session as the surface began to turn sharply. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman dismissed King, while Sajid Khan removed Kavem Hodge (10). Ubaid Shah, making his Test debut, accounted for Amir Jangoo (26), with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan taking both catches.
At 120-4, West Indies were under pressure before Hope and Greaves steadied the innings. Hope resisted with a gritty 29 from 68 deliveries before being bowled by Mohammad Ali shortly after tea.
Greaves then reached his half-century from 92 balls and, alongside Chase, safely guided the home side through the final session without further setbacks, leaving West Indies in a strong position on a pitch expected to become increasingly difficult for batting.
Pakistan’s bowlers were often let down by missed opportunities in the field and inconsistent field placements despite extracting assistance from the surface. Mohammad Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 2-49, while Ubaid Shah, Ali Usman and Sajid Khan claimed one wicket each.
King was particularly severe on debutant Ubaid Shah early in the innings, scoring seven of his nine boundaries off the young fast bowler’s opening spell.
West Indies retained the same XI that defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test at Tarouba. Captain Roston Chase chose to bat after winning his second consecutive toss despite overcast conditions.
Pakistan, meanwhile, made four changes to their side. Experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who claimed eight wickets in the first Test, was surprisingly left out after the visitors opted for an attack better suited to the conditions. Ubaid Shah was handed his Test debut, while Abdullah Shafique replaced Shan Masood, who was ruled out with a fractured left index finger.
