Babar Azam’s return as Pakistan’s Test captain ended in disappointment after the team suffered a 90-run defeat to the West Indies in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The result gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and extended Pakistan’s poor away record.
Babar Azam’s returns as Pakistan test captain
Chasing 211 for victory, Pakistan failed to build partnerships and were bowled out for just 120. Jayden Seales starred with a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves chipped in with key wickets to seal a convincing win for the West Indies.
West Indies have taken the lead in the two-match Test series after defeating Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.#Pakistan #Westindies #cricket #babarazam pic.twitter.com/Tih3sjgRgS
— All About Pakistan (@Aboutpakistan90) July 28, 2026
Earlier, Pakistan had reduced the West Indies to 93/7 in their second innings and looked set to restrict them to a modest total. However, the lower order fought back strongly, with Shamar Joseph playing a valuable knock that helped the hosts reach 238 and set Pakistan a competitive target.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming five wickets, but his effort was not enough to prevent defeat.
Babar Azam’s solitary effort ends in defeat
Pakistan’s chase got off to the worst possible start as the top order collapsed under pressure from the West Indies pace attack. Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais and several middle-order batters fell cheaply, leaving the visitors with an uphill task.
West Indies have taken the lead in the two-match Test series after defeating Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.#Pakistan #Westindies #cricket #babarazam pic.twitter.com/Tih3sjgRgS
— All About Pakistan (@Aboutpakistan90) July 28, 2026
Babar Azam was the only batter to offer significant resistance. The skipper scored a fighting half-century, his 32nd in Test cricket, and shared a determined last-wicket stand with Mohammad Abbas. However, the partnership only delayed the inevitable as Seales dismissed Abbas to complete the victory.
The defeat was Pakistan’s eighth consecutive loss in an away Test, highlighting the team’s continued struggles outside home conditions. After the match, Babar said Shan Masood’s finger injury forced changes to the batting order but admitted Pakistan failed to build partnerships and could not handle the new ball effectively.
Pakistan will now aim to bounce back and level the series when the second and final Test begins on August 2.
