Pakistan claim five wickets as Greaves guides West Indies recovery in second Test

Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling display to claim five wickets on a rain-interrupted opening day of the second Test, but an unbroken stand between Justin Greaves and Roston Chase ensured West Indies finished on a steady note at Queen’s Park Oval.

Despite several interruptions to the day's rhythm, Pakistan remained persistent with both pace and spin. However, Greaves’ composed unbeaten half-century and Chase’s measured support denied the visitors complete control as West Indies closed on 239 for five after 74 overs, with bad light forcing an early end to play.

How did West Indies begin their innings?

After winning the toss, West Indies chose to bat first and made an encouraging start through Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The opening pair scored freely, racing to 49 without significant trouble inside the first 10 overs as Pakistan searched for an early breakthrough.

The visitors finally found success on the last ball before rain halted proceedings. Mohammad Ali induced Chanderpaul into playing a pull shot that found Sajid Khan at fine leg, ending the opening partnership. The interruption brought forward the lunch break with West Indies placed at 49 for one.

How did Pakistan’s spinners change the momentum?

The surface offered increasing assistance after the rain delay, allowing Pakistan’s spin attack to make an immediate impact.

Ali Usman struck first after the restart by trapping King leg before wicket for an impressive 46. Pakistan successfully overturned the on-field decision through review, ending a fluent innings that featured nine boundaries from only 50 deliveries.

Sajid Khan then added another wicket soon after. Kavem Hodge was initially given not out after edging behind, but Pakistan again made full use of the review system as Mohammad Rizwan completed the catch, leaving West Indies struggling at 91 for three.

Debutant Ubaid Shah also enjoyed a memorable moment when Amir Jangoo edged a delivery down the leg side to Rizwan, handing the young fast bowler his maiden Test wicket and reducing the hosts to 120 for four.

Who rescued West Indies after the collapse?

Shai Hope and Justin Greaves steadied the innings with a valuable 53-run partnership, guiding West Indies to 165 for four by tea.

Pakistan struck again shortly after the interval when Mohammad Ali returned to dismiss Hope for 29, with the batter dragging the ball back onto his stumps. The wicket left the hosts at 173 for five and appeared to hand Pakistan complete control.

Instead, Greaves and captain Roston Chase responded with patience and composure. Greaves reached his half-century from 92 deliveries before ending the day unbeaten on 64 from 125 balls, striking eight fours. Chase remained undefeated on 36, hitting five boundaries as the pair stitched together an unbroken 66-run stand to frustrate Pakistan.

Mohammad Ali finished as Pakistan’s standout bowler with figures of two for 49 from 17 overs, including five maidens. Sajid Khan, Ali Usman and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket apiece.