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Pakistan posts 387, secures first-innings lead over West Indies

Pakistan posts

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Pakistan were bowled out for 387 in their first innings on the third day of the second Test against the West Indies on Tuesday, securing a 43-run lead after the hosts posted 344.

Resuming on 266-2, Pakistan built on a solid overnight position through captain Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, but the partnership ended when Babar fell for 88 off 147 balls, missing out on a century by 12 runs. His innings included 10 fours and one six.

Pakistan then lost two more wickets in the space of six deliveries before wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan added 25 runs with Abdullah Shafique. Rizwan scored 18 before being bowled by Jomel Warrican.

Abdullah Shafique anchored the innings with a composed 153 off 312 balls, while Sajid Khan contributed 30 before Pakistan were dismissed for 387, earning a 43-run first-innings advantage.

Earlier, the West Indies had elected to bat first after winning the toss and were dismissed for 344. Sajid Khan led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Obaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each.

The West Indies lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test.

West Indies all out for 344 against Pakistan in first innings

West Indies

PORT OF SPAIN: West Indies cricket team were bowled out for 344 in their first innings against Pakistan national cricket team on the opening day of the second Test.

Pakistan were 121 for 2 in 26 overs in their first innings at stumps after bowling out the West Indies for 344 on the opening day of the second Test.

Captain Babar Azam was unbeaten on 19, while Abdullah Shafique remained not out on 32, guiding Pakistan after the early loss of two wickets.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts posted a competitive total, led by half-centuries from Justin Greaves, who scored 73, and Roston Chase, who made 70.

Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope scored 29 and Amir Jangoo added 26.

For Pakistan, Sajid Khan claimed four wickets, while Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali and Ali Raza took two wickets each.

Earlier, West Indies captain Roston Chase opted to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan captain Babar Azam said his side would also have chosen to bat first and vowed to play positive cricket.

West Indies entered the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Pakistan plans seven-batter lineup for first Test against West Indies

Pakistan plans

TRINIDAD: Pakistan’s team management has begun finalizing its playing XI for the opening Test against the West Indies, with plans to field seven specialist batters in the series opener, according to sources.

The likely lineup includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, while Salman Ali Agha is also expected to feature and provide the team with a fifth bowling option.

Sources said Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Abbas are likely to retain their places in the XI, while left-arm spinner Ali Usman is in line to make his Test debut. One of Khurram Shahzad or Mohammad Ali is expected to complete the pace attack.

The team management has also advised the bowlers to improve their batting, with the final playing XI to be confirmed after assessing the players’ fitness ahead of the match.

The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, where curators have prepared a grass-covered pitch featuring brown grass instead of the traditional green surface.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the West Indies  unveiled the trophy for their upcoming Test series ahead of the opening match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and West Indies captain Roston Chase took part in the trophy unveiling ceremony, posing with the silverware at the venue where the first Test will be played.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled to begin on July 25, with both teams aiming for a strong start in the two-match contest.

West Indies cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers dies at 89

West Indies

BRIDGETOWN: Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, has died at the age of 89, Cricket West Indies confirmed on Friday.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Sobers died in Barbados, ending a career that transformed the game and established him as one of cricket’s most complete players.

Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78 and taking 235 wickets at an average of 34.03. Renowned for his ability to bowl both pace and spin, he was also considered one of the finest fielders of his era.

Australian great Sir Donald Bradman famously described Sobers as a “five-in-one cricketer” because of his extraordinary versatility.

The ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded annually to the world’s best men’s cricketer across all formats, is named in his honor.

In a tribute posted on X, Cricket West Indies said, “A great innings has come to an end.”

Sobers made his first-class debut at the age of 16 during the 1952-53 season and earned his Test debut against England in Jamaica a year later, beginning a legendary international career that inspired generations of cricketers.

Pakistan likely to name 16-player test squad for West Indies, England tours

Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to announce a 16-player Test squad for its upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the selection process.

The reports said selectors had initially considered naming a 17-member squad but are now leaning toward a 16-player roster.

Under the revised plan, one batter could be omitted from the squad.

According to the reports, Saud Shakeel is unlikely to be included for the West Indies leg of the tour. However, selectors are reportedly considering adding him to the squad for the three-Test series in England.

Consultations over the final composition of the squad are continuing, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the Test squad in the coming days.

The PCB has not officially confirmed the squad or the reported selection plans.

West Indies announce Test series schedule against Pakistan

West Indies

ST JOHN’S: Cricket West Indies has announced the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, confirming fixtures to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pakistan national cricket team will tour the West Indies in July for a two-Test series, with both matches scheduled in Trinidad.

The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking the first-ever Test match to be hosted at the venue.

The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen’s Park Oval.

West Indies crush Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Super 8 World Cup clash

West Indies crush

Mumbai: West Indies dominated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in the 18th over. Brad Evans top-scored with 43, followed by Dine Mayers (28) and captain ** Sikandar Raza** (27). Several batsmen, including Ryan Burl, Tashinga Masakikwa, Graeme Cremer, and Blessing Muzarabani, failed to score. Richard Ngarava remained 7 not out.

For West Indies, Gudakesh Moti took 4 wickets, Akeal Hosein 3, while Jason Holder and Matthew Ford picked up 1 each.

Earlier, after Zimbabwe elected to field first, West Indies posted 254/6 in 20 overs. Shamarh Hetmyer led the charge with a blazing 85, Romario Powell added 59, Sherfane Rutherford scored 31, and captain Shai Hope contributed 14. Jason Holder and Brandon King chipped in with 13 and 9, respectively, while Rutherford and Matthew Ford remained not out.

Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2 wickets each, and Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans took 1 wicket apiece.

West Indies’ comprehensive batting and bowling display ensured a comfortable 107-run victory, cementing their dominance in the Super 8 stage.

New Zealand crushes West Indies by 9 wickets in second test

New Zealand

Wellington: New Zealand defeated the West Indies by 9 wickets in the second Test of the series, held in Wellington.

Winning the toss, New Zealand invited the West Indies to bat first. The visitors were dismissed for 205 runs, with Blair Tickner taking 4 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips one each.

New Zealand declared their first innings at 278/9, with Mitchell Hay scoring 61 and Devon Conway 60. The West Indies bowlers included Anderson Phillip (3 wickets), Kemar Roach (2), and one each for Jaden Seales, Odean Shields, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase.

In their second innings, West Indies managed only 128 runs, as Jacob Duffy took 5 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Zack Folkes 1.

Chasing a modest 56-run target, New Zealand achieved it comfortably, losing just one wicket. Devon Conway scored 28* and Ken Williamson 16*; captain Tom Latham made 9.

With this win, New Zealand leads the three-Test series 1-0. The third and final Test will be played in Mount Maunganui from December 18, forming part of the World Test Championship.

First test between New Zealand and West Indies ends in draw

First test

The opening Test match between New Zealand and West Indies at Christchurch concluded in a draw after a remarkable batting display from the West Indies in the final innings.

Chasing a massive target of 531 runs, the visitors held their ground with resilience, finishing at 457 for 6 after 163.3 overs. Justin Greaves played a historic innings, remaining unbeaten on 202 off 388 balls, while Kemar Roach provided strong support with an unbeaten 58 from 233 deliveries.

The pair added a crucial 180-run partnership for the seventh wicket, ensuring the match ended without a result. Earlier, Shai Hope contributed significantly with a superb 140-run knock.

New Zealand earlier posted 231 in the first innings, followed by 466/8 declared in the second. West Indies were dismissed for 167 in their first innings, but a valiant batting effort in the fourth innings saved them from defeat.

For his outstanding double-century, Justin Greaves was named Player of the Match.