Pakistan flex batting muscle ahead of first Test despite warm-up draw
Key Points(5)
- The scorebook recorded a draw, but Pakistan emerged from their lone four-day warm-up match with momentum firmly on their side after a commanding batting performance against a West Indies Select XI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
- While neither side could force a result on the final day, Pakistan's overwhelming dominance with the bat during the opening half of the contest ensured they left Trinidad with a psychological edge ahead of Saturday's first Test at the same venue.
- Massive first-innings total defines the contest The foundation for Pakistan's control was laid during the first two days, when their batters methodically dismantled the Select XI attack.
- The tourists declared on an imposing 455 for four, a total that effectively dictated the remainder of the match and left the hosts chasing the game.
- Facing a substantial deficit, the West Indies Select XI fought hard but could only manage 279 in reply despite several encouraging individual performances.
The scorebook recorded a draw, but Pakistan emerged from their lone four-day warm-up match with momentum firmly on their side after a commanding batting performance against a West Indies Select XI at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
While neither side could force a result on the final day, Pakistan's overwhelming dominance with the bat during the opening half of the contest ensured they left Trinidad with a psychological edge ahead of Saturday's first Test at the same venue.
Massive first-innings total defines the contest
The foundation for Pakistan's control was laid during the first two days, when their batters methodically dismantled the Select XI attack.
The tourists declared on an imposing 455 for four, a total that effectively dictated the remainder of the match and left the hosts chasing the game.
Facing a substantial deficit, the West Indies Select XI fought hard but could only manage 279 in reply despite several encouraging individual performances.
Kavem Hodge came agonizingly close to a deserved century before falling for a determined 92, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul displayed trademark patience in compiling 51. Jyd Goolie added valuable resistance lower down the order, finishing unbeaten on 47.
Pakistan's bowling effort was spearheaded by Mohammad Ali, whose incisive spell produced outstanding figures of 5-37. Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman provided strong support, each collecting two wickets to keep the pressure firmly on the home side.
Pakistan's top order enjoys another productive outing
Holding a commanding first-innings lead of 176, Pakistan declined to enforce the follow-on, choosing instead to give their batting unit additional time in the middle before the Test series begins.
The strategy yielded more valuable preparation as the visitors closed their second innings on 219 for four in 60.1 overs.
Awais Zafar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 128 after retiring, while Abdullah Faisal also retired not out on 48. Ali Usman added further momentum with an attractive 41, ensuring Pakistan's batters continued to build confidence.
Warrican impresses with bat and ball
Among the few bright spots for the West Indies Select XI was left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who contributed in both disciplines during the match.
After making useful runs with the bat, Warrican returned to lead the bowling effort in Pakistan's second innings, finishing with 2-36. Fast bowlers Anderson Phillip and Ojay Shields each chipped in with a wicket.
With the warm-up fixture ending in the expected stalemate, both teams now shift their focus to the official start of the Test series.
Pakistan will head into Saturday's opener encouraged by the form of their batting unit and the effectiveness of their bowling attack, while the West Indies will be looking to tighten their execution after a challenging four days against a confident touring side.
