WI vs PAK 1st Test: Kavem Hodge’s unbeaten 83 helps West Indies reach 194/3 against Pakistan on rainy Day 1

NEW DELHI: Kavem Hodge scored an unbeaten 83 to guide West Indies to 194/3 at stumps in a rain-affected opening day of 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 partnership of 88 runs for the fourth wicket to give West Indies a strong position.

Pakistan attacked 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 they came slowly in the opening overs.

CJP Jantar Mantar protest update

After lunch, the home side recovered and Hodge led the charge, despite the pitch being more challenging after the rain.Tagenarine Chanderpaul scored 21 before falling to Aamer Jamal, who returned to the Pakistan Test side after an 18-month absence. Amir Jangoo also made 21 before being trapped lbw by Abbas.

Hodge survives review, reaches 50

Hodge remained calm throughout his innings and completed his fourth Test half-century off 86 balls with eight fours.He also survived a great scare when Abbas slammed him into the mats. 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 and he faced 91 deliveries in front of the stumps.

Abbas catches the ball

Abbas was Pakistan’s best bowler and ended the day with figures of 2/44 from 19 overs.Left-arm spinner Usman Ali made his Test debut at 33 and showed promising signs with a sharp turn from the surface.

Chase decides to fire first

West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and elected to bat. The decision looked risky as Pakistan’s bowlers kept the score in check during the first session.However, the home side recovered well in the second and third sessions thanks to Hodge’s patient innings.

Team changes on both sides

Pakistan are playing under Babar Azam, who returned as captain after Shan Masood was removed from the role after 12 defeats in 16 Tests. Pakistan are also seeking their first away Test win since defeating Sri Lanka in 2023.The visitors were without opener Abdullah Fazal, who has been ruled out of this series and the upcoming England tour with a lower back injury. Imam-ul-Haq went back to partner Azan Awais at the top of the order.West Indies fielded three fast bowlers – Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales – after Alzarri Joseph became unavailable for the series. Jomel Warrican is the team’s spin specialist.Both teams entered the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings with one win apiece.

Tribute to Garfield Sobers

Before the start of the game, players of both teams and 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 wore black armbands as a mark of respect.