Shan Masood Leads Pakistan’s Strong Reply as West Indies Collapse in First Test

Shan Masood struck an unbeaten 88 as Pakistan produced a strong response to the West Indies’ first-innings total of 311 on the second day of the opening Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

Pakistan reached 199 for three at stumps on Sunday, with Masood and Salman Ali Agha at the crease after the visitors recovered from the early loss of Azan Awais. Imam-ul-Haq provided the foundation for the innings with 63 before being dismissed in the final session.

The day largely belonged to Pakistan after the West Indies resumed on 194 for three. Mohammad Ali led an improved bowling performance from the visitors, taking four wickets as the hosts lost their final seven wickets for 117 runs.

Kavem Hodge added only one run to his overnight score before falling for 84 to Khurram Shazad. His dismissal ended a 91-run fourth-wicket partnership with Shai Hope, who survived a chance at slip when Awais failed to hold a catch while the batsman was on 51.

Hope continued to anchor the West Indies innings and reached 92 before being given out leg before wicket, falling eight runs short of a sixth Test century. He spent more than five hours at the crease, hitting six fours and one six.

Mohammad Ali claimed three of the final five wickets after lunch. He dismissed Justin Greaves, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, finishing with figures of four for 50.

West Indies all-rounder Shamar Joseph briefly entertained the crowd with a quick 23 from 13 deliveries, including three fours and a six, before gloving a hook shot to Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s reply began with the dismissal of Azan Awais, who was caught off Kemar Roach. Masood then joined Imam-ul-Haq and the pair dominated the West Indies attack during the afternoon session.

The left-handed batsmen added 155 runs for the second wicket, scoring at almost a run-a-ball as the home bowlers struggled to maintain consistent line and length in difficult heat.

Imam-ul-Haq struck seven fours in his 102-ball innings. He said his approach had been to leave the ball carefully and wait for deliveries in his scoring areas.

Masood, who was removed as Pakistan captain after a 2-0 series defeat in Bangladesh in May, batted confidently despite receiving two slices of luck. He was dropped in the slips and later survived a leg-before-wicket appeal after television technology supported the on-field decision.

Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales eventually halted Pakistan’s progress. Joseph dismissed Imam, while Seales had Babar Azam caught behind for a low score after the veteran batter had returned as captain for the short series.

Masood remained unbeaten on 88 from 137 balls, with 11 fours, while Agha survived the final overs to take Pakistan into the third day with a strong chance of taking control of the Test.