PORT OF SPAIN: Justin Greaves produced a composed unbeaten half-century to guide West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on a rain-affected opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Sunday.

After starring with the ball in the opening Test, Greaves once again proved his value to the hosts, scoring an unbeaten 64 under difficult conditions to keep the West Indies innings on track. His resilient knock, combined with an unbroken partnership with captain Roston Chase, helped the home side recover after Pakistan threatened to seize control.

Greaves and Chase Steady the Innings

West Indies found themselves under pressure after losing regular wickets during the afternoon session. Greaves arrived at the crease with the score at 91-3 following the dismissal of Kavem Hodge, who became spinner Sajid Khan’s first victim of the match.

Pakistan gained further momentum when debutant fast bowler Ubaid Shah claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Amir Jangoo, raising hopes of restricting the hosts to a modest total.

However, Greaves first combined with Shai Hope in a valuable 53-run partnership before Hope was bowled by Mohammad Ali for 29 after edging the ball onto his stumps. The wicket left West Indies at 173-5, giving Pakistan another opportunity to dominate.

Instead, Greaves and captain Chase frustrated the visitors with an unbeaten 66-run sixth-wicket stand, ensuring the hosts ended the day in a strong position despite interruptions caused by rain.

Chase remained unbeaten on 36, while Greaves looked increasingly confident as the innings progressed.

Injury Scare for Greaves

Greaves’ innings was briefly interrupted by an injury after he hurt his left leg while completing a quick run. The all-rounder required lengthy treatment on the field and appeared to struggle with his movement.

Despite the discomfort, he continued his innings and was handed a significant reprieve shortly after reaching his half-century when Pakistan captain Babar Azam dropped a straightforward catch at leg slip off Sajid Khan.

The missed opportunity proved costly as Greaves remained unbeaten through to the close of play.

Mohammad Ali Impresses for Pakistan

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Mohammad Ali emerged as the standout performer. The pacer consistently troubled the West Indies batters with disciplined bowling and claimed the important wicket of Shai Hope.

Spinner Sajid Khan also made useful contributions by dismissing Kavem Hodge and maintaining pressure during the middle session, while debutant Ubaid Shah celebrated his first Test wicket.

Pakistan’s Selection Raises Questions

Pakistan’s team selection attracted attention before the start of play after experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was omitted despite delivering an outstanding performance in the first Test.

Abbas had claimed eight wickets in the series opener, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, but was left out as Pakistan opted for an additional spin option.

The visitors included off-spinner Sajid Khan alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman, believing the dry surface would offer significant assistance to slow bowlers.

Pakistan also handed a Test debut to Awais Zafar, who replaced former captain Shan Masood, unavailable due to a finger injury sustained during his century in the opening Test.

King Gives West Indies a Positive Start

Earlier in the day, opener Brandon King provided West Indies with an encouraging start, scoring an aggressive 46 during an opening partnership of 49 with Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

Both batters benefited from edges that fell safely through vacant slip positions before Pakistan eventually made the breakthrough.

Following a lengthy rain delay of around 90 minutes, Ali Usman claimed his maiden Test wicket by trapping King leg before wicket.

Chanderpaul had earlier departed for 15 after miscuing a hook shot off Mohammad Ali.

West Indies Eye Strong First-Innings Total

Reflecting on the day’s play, Brandon King praised the lower-order partnerships that helped the hosts recover after the middle-order collapse.

He expressed hope that Greaves and Chase would continue their partnership on the second morning and convert their promising starts into centuries.

With five wickets still in hand and two well-set batters at the crease, West Indies will look to build a commanding first-innings total, while Pakistan will aim for early breakthroughs when play resumes on Day Two.