A fighting, unbeaten half-century from Justin Greaves restored parity for the West Indies as they reached 239/5 at Stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan at the Queen’s Park Oval. Opting to bat first in rain-affected conditions, the hosts found themselves under severe pressure after Pakistan’s bowling attack made early inroads. However, Greaves’ composure alongside skipper Roston Chase ensured the Caribbean side finished the opening day on a promising note.
Pakistan attack gains upper hand on day 1 start against West Indies
The morning session was delayed due to a wet outfield, but once action got underway, Pakistan’s opening bowlers quickly made full use of the favourable pitch conditions. Tagenarine Chanderpaul struggled for fluency before falling for 15 off 32 balls, caught by Sajid Khan off Mohammad Ali in the tenth over with the score at 49. Brandon King looked dangerous during his counter-attacking cameo of 46 off just 50 deliveries, striking nine boundaries, before Ali Usman trapped him lbw via a successful Pakistani review.
Pakistan maintained continuous pressure through disciplined line and length across the middle overs. Kavem Hodge faltered for a cautious 10 off 44 balls, snicked behind to keeper Mohammad Rizwan off Sajid. Youngster Amir Jangoo grafted for his 26 off 55 balls before becoming Ubaid Shah’s lone victim of the day. When standard-bearer Shai Hope was castled by Mohammad Ali for 29 off 68 balls shortly after Tea, West Indies were reeling at 173/5 in the 51st over. Ali stood out as the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, finishing the day with efficient figures of 2/49 from 17 overs, supported by miserly spells from spinners Sajid (1/55) and Usman (1/56).
Justin Greaves ends Day 1 on a high for West Indies against Pakistan in the second Test
With Pakistan threatening to breach the middle order completely, Greaves joined forces with captain Chase to orchestrate an impressive recovery. Exhibiting exceptional patience and sound judgment off the back foot, Greaves grounded down the Pakistani attack. He brought up his well-crafted half-century off 92 balls, anchoring the Caribbean team through the late afternoon session.
Together, Greaves and Chase built an unbroken 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket across 140 deliveries. Chase provided solid resistance from the other end, scoring 36 off 70 balls with five crisp boundaries. Greaves struck eight boundaries in his unbeaten 64 off 125 deliveries, showing great composure against both seam and spin.
Bad light and rain interruption eventually brought an early end to proceedings after 74 overs with West Indies safely positioned at 239/5 (run rate 3.22). Having weathered Pakistan’s fierce early onslaught, the hosts will look to Greaves and Chase to extend their alliance and push past 300 when play resumes on Day 2.
Justin Greaves holds the fort with a gritty 64 (125)* to push the West Indies to 239/5 at Stumps against Pakistan ✋#WIvPAK #WestIndiesCricketTeam #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/qf6XEHd8qD
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 3, 2026
