West Indies finished the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in a strong position, reaching 239 for 5 at the Queen’s Park Oval after a rain-affected day that ended early due to bad light. On a pitch that offered plenty of assistance to spin from the very beginning, Pakistan’s bowlers created several opportunities, but an unbeaten partnership between Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase ensured the hosts ended the day with the advantage.

After winning an important toss, West Indies made a positive start. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Brandon King attacked the new ball confidently, adding quick runs before rain interrupted play. The hosts had raced to 49 before the weather forced an early lunch break. Pakistan managed to claim one wicket before the interruption when Chanderpaul miscued a hook shot off Mohammad Ali and was caught at fine leg.

Once play resumed, Pakistan’s spin attack took control. Ali Usman and Sajid Khan extracted significant turn from the surface, making life difficult for the West Indies batters. Usman claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Brandon King for an impressive 46 after a successful review confirmed the batter was trapped in front.

Kavem Hodge struggled to score freely and eventually fell after a faint glove was brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan’s pressure continued, but Shai Hope and debutant Amir Jangoo steadied the innings with a useful partnership. Hope played some attractive strokes before Jangoo became Ubaid Shah’s first Test wicket after edging a delivery down the leg side.

Hope later contributed 29 before being bowled by Mohammad Ali, giving Pakistan hope of exposing the lower order. However, Justin Greaves stood firm with a composed and unbeaten 64, displaying excellent shot selection and punishing loose deliveries whenever they came. Captain Roston Chase provided solid support at the other end as the pair added an unbeaten 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Pakistan’s spin bowlers remained disciplined throughout the day, but the surface became slightly easier to bat on during the final session. Ubaid Shah endured a difficult Test debut, conceding runs at an expensive rate whenever he returned to bowl.

With nearly 16 overs lost due Pakistan Cricket,to bad light, West Indies will be pleased with their total on a challenging pitch. Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to strike early on the second morning and prevent the hosts from posting a commanding first-innings.Justin Greaves