Legendary Yankees Broadcaster John Sterling Dead at 87

The second and final Test match of the two-match series between Pakistan and the West Indies got underway at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, with the hosts winning the toss and electing to bat first. The opening day was significantly affected by rain, disrupting play during the morning session. Persistent showers allowed only 9.5 overs to be bowled before the lunch interval, limiting the action on the field. Despite the interruptions, the West Indies made a positive start, reaching 49 for the loss of one wicket before lunch. As play resumed in the second session, the home side continued to build their innings. At the time of reporting, the West Indies had progressed to 150 for the loss of four wickets, putting themselves in a solid position despite losing a few key batters. Brandon King was the standout performer among the top-order batters, scoring a fluent 46 runs before being dismissed just short of a well-deserved half-century. Debutant Amir Jangoo contributed a valuable 26 runs, helping stabilize the innings after the early breakthrough. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the son of former West Indies batting great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, managed 15 runs before losing his wicket, while Kevlon Hodge added 10 runs to the total. Pakistan’s bowlers managed to make regular breakthroughs, preventing the West Indies from establishing large partnerships. However, the rain interruptions and the batting-friendly conditions made it challenging for the visitors to dominate proceedings during the opening day. Pakistan entered the match with a significantly changed playing XI, making four changes from the team that featured in the opening Test. Captain Shan Masood was ruled out due to injury and was unavailable for selection. In addition, experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and all-rounder Aamer Jamal were also left out of the playing XI. To strengthen the squad, Pakistan handed Test debuts to fast bowlers Awais Zafar and 20-year-old Ubaid Shah, giving both players an opportunity to showcase their talent at the highest level of the game. Their inclusion reflects Pakistan’s intent to build a younger pace attack while providing valuable international experience to emerging players. The visitors also recalled off-spinner Sajid Khan and opening batter Abdullah Shafique, both of whom returned to the playing XI after missing the previous Test. Pakistan will be hoping that the fresh faces and team changes provide the balance needed to level the series. The stakes are high in this final Test, as the West Indies currently hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series following their victory in the opening encounter. A win or a draw in Port of Spain would allow the Caribbean side to secure the series, while Pakistan must register a victory to avoid a series defeat. With rain still threatening to influence the contest, both teams will be aiming to make the most of the available playing time. As the match progresses, Pakistan’s bowlers will look to wrap up the West Indies innings quickly, while the hosts will aim to post a commanding first-innings total and strengthen their chances of sealing the series.

Justin Greaves produced a career-best bowling performance, claiming a five-wicket haul as West Indies bowled out Pakistan for 282 on day three of the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, securing a 29-run first-innings lead . Resuming from an overnight total of 199-3, Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha added 45 runs for the fourth wicket . Masood, who started the day unbeaten on 88, brought up his century in the 56th over with a single, anchoring the innings with a composed knock . Agha, however, looked uncomfortable at the crease after testing opening overs from Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales . Pakistan appeared well placed at 244-3 before the hosts triggered a dramatic collapse, with the visitors losing six wickets for just 15 runs in the space of seven overs . Greaves proved to be the chief tormentor, taking four wickets in four overs without conceding a single run in a devastating spell . Shamar Joseph started the collapse by castling Agha with a beautiful delivery that pitched on length and squared up the right-hander, dismissing him for 20 . In the next over, Greaves got the better of the well-set Masood, who played down the wrong line and inside-edged onto his stumps . The southpaw departed for 109 off 184 balls, including 12 fours . From there, Greaves took over completely. He bowled Aamer Jamal for three before trapping debutant Ali Usman Ibw for a duck, reducing Pakistan to 256-7 . With the tail exposed, Mohammad Rizwan was expected to reduce the deficit, but he chased a wide delivery outside off stump, with Shai Hope completing the catch behind the stumps . Rizwan departed for just 12 . After lunch, Greaves continued his dominance, accounting for Mohammad Abbas (0) to complete his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket . Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad added 15 runs for the last wicket before Roach wrapped up the innings, dismissing Shahzad for 19 . Pakistan folded for 282 in 80.1 overs . West Indies now hold a slender but significant 29-run advantage heading into their second innings, with the pitch continuing to offer assistance to the seamers .