The inaugural Test match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba saw only 67 overs of action on its opening day, largely due to inclement weather. Despite the interruptions, the West Indies ended the day in a favorable position at 194/3, anchored by an unbeaten 83 from Kavem Hodge. Hodge shared an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Shai Hope, who finished the day on 39 not out.
West Indies captain Roston Chase chose to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas, started with a disciplined spell that restricted the hosts to just 13 runs in the first eight overs. Abbas eventually claimed the first breakthrough by bowling Brandon King. Hodge then joined Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who adopted a cautious approach at the crease. Early in the session, Pakistan captain Babar Azam unsuccessfully challenged an umpire's decision with a review.
Play was halted for nearly two hours when rain arrived just one delivery into the first international over bowled by spinner Ali Usman. Following the resumption, the pair of Hodge and Chanderpaul steered the West Indies past the 50-run mark. Hodge became increasingly aggressive, finding boundaries with regularity. Chanderpaul’s 77-ball vigil for 21 runs concluded when he was dismissed by Aamer Jamal. Hodge continued to play his shots, notably hitting consecutive fours off Jamal, while Amir Jangoo also looked to capitalize on scoring opportunities before being trapped leg-before by Abbas following a successful Pakistan review.
Hodge reached his half-century before the Tea break. In the final session, the hosts rotated the strike effectively, though no boundaries were scored off the bat during that period; the only scoring delivery of four or more came via byes. Although play was extended to 6 PM local time, fading light forced stumps to be called 18 minutes early. With further rain forecasted, the West Indies' batting strategy remains a point of interest for the second day. Mohammad Abbas finished as the standout bowler for Pakistan with figures of 2-44, while Aamer Jamal took 1-54.
