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

NEW DELHI: Kavem Hodge scored an unbeaten 83 to guide West Indies to 194/3 at stumps on a rain-affected day in the first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Saturday.Only 67 overs were possible on Day 1 as rain and poor light reduced play. Hodge remained at the crease throughout the day and was joined by Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten on 39. The pair added an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket to put West Indies in a strong position.

Pakistan strike early

Pakistan made an early breakthrough when fast bowler Mohammad Abbas dismissed Brandon King for 12 in the ninth over. West Indies struggled at 13/1 as runs came slowly in the opening session.

After lunch, the home side recovered with Hodge leading the charge despite the pitch becoming more challenging after the rain.Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 21 before falling to Aamer Jamal, who returned to Pakistan’s Test side after an 18-month break. Amir Jangoo also made 21 before he was trapped lbw by Abbas.

Hodge survived the review, reaching fifty

Hodge remained calm throughout his innings and completed his fourth Test half-century from 86 balls with eight fours.He also survived a big scare when Abbas hit him on the pads. The on-field umpire awarded him lbw, but Pakistan’s decision was overturned after replays showed the ball had bounced over the stumps.Hope gave him solid support, facing 91 deliveries before stumps.

Abbas was impressed with the ball

Abbas was Pakistan’s best bowler, ending the day with figures of 2/44 from 19 overs.Left-arm spinner Usman Ali made his Test debut at the age of 33 and showed good signs by taking sharp turns from the top.

Chase chose to bat first

West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and decided to bat. The decision looked precarious early on as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the scoring under control during the first session.The hosts, however, recovered well in the second and third sessions thanks to Hodge’s patient innings.

Team changes for both sides

Pakistan played under the leadership of Babar Azam, who returned as captain after Shan Masood was dropped after 12 defeats in 16 Tests. Pakistan are also looking for their first away test win since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023.The visitors are 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 returned to fellow Azan Awais at the top of the order.West Indies fielded three fast bowlers – Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales – after Alzarri Joseph was unavailable for the series. Jomel Warrican is the team’s specialist spinner.Both teams entered the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings with one win each.

Tribute to Garfield Sobers

Before the start of the match, the players of both teams and the match officials observed a minute’s silence in memory of West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers, who died earlier this month at the age of 89.West Indies players and match officials also wear black armbands as a sign of respect.