Hodge West Indies to 194-3 at Stumps on Day One

The opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies was disrupted by rain, limiting play to 67 overs. Despite the interruptions, a composed partnership between Kavem Hodge and Shai Hope helped the hosts establish a solid platform. West Indies finished the day on 194/3 at stumps.

After winning the toss in Trinidad, West Indies captain Roston Chase elected to bat first. However, Pakistan’s experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas struck early, clean bowling Brandon King for 12 with the team score on 13.

Kavem Hodge then joined opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the crease as the pair looked to steady the innings. Chanderpaul, who struggled to score freely, was eventually dismissed for 21 off 77 balls when he was caught by Salman Agha off the bowling of Aamer Jamal, leaving the hosts at 61.

Amir Jangoo came in next and looked to accelerate the scoring, making a quick 21 from 32 deliveries, including two fours and a six. However, Abbas trapped him lbw with the score on 106 to claim his second wicket of the innings.

With West Indies reduced to 106/3, Hodge and wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope took responsibility and steadied the innings. The pair negotiated Pakistan’s bowling attack confidently, putting together an unbeaten 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Hodge anchored the innings and brought up a well-crafted half-century. At stumps, he remained unbeaten on 83 from 181 balls, striking nine boundaries. Hope provided excellent support from the other end, finishing unbeaten on 39 from 91 deliveries with two fours.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler, returning figures of 2/44 from 19 overs, including six maidens. Aamer Jamal claimed the other wicket, finishing with 1/54 from 10 overs. Debutant left-arm spinner Ali Usman and pacer Khurram Shahzad bowled disciplined spells but were unable to break through.