Amir Jangoo believes the West Indies are well-positioned despite facing challenging conditions on the first day of their second Test against Pakistan at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain. By the time stumps were called on a rain-affected day, the hosts reached 239 for 5, a total Jangoo feels could have been stronger if not for some unfortunate dismissals. Having played his domestic cricket in Trinidad & Tobago, Jangoo is familiar with the environment and insists that reaching a target of 350 is essential, as he expects the pitch to deteriorate and become significantly more difficult for Pakistan to bat on last.
Reflecting on the day's play, Jangoo noted the slow nature of the surface, which made scoring difficult and required patience. While individual contributions were steady, with every West Indies batter reaching double digits, few were able to capitalize on their starts. Brandon King provided a solid foundation with 46 runs off 50 balls, while Justin Greaves, unbeaten on 64, and Roston Chase, at 36 not out, remain at the crease. Jangoo emphasized the need for the pair to dig deep and extend their stay on the second day.
Pakistan’s decision to bolster their attack with an extra spinner proved effective, as Sajid Khan and Ali Usman combined to keep the scoring rate in check. Usman, who dismissed King, noted that the pitch offered slow turn and required disciplined bowling to prevent easy runs. He admitted to some misfortune with balls beating the edge but expressed hope for better results on the second morning. Pakistan, missing Shan Masood due to injury, introduced Abdullah Shafique and debutant Awais Zafar into the lineup, while leaving out Mohammad Abbas and Aamer Jamal.
Despite the focus on spin, Jangoo maintains that the new ball remains the most dangerous weapon for the quicks. He expects the pitch to be favorable for batting on the second day before it eventually breaks up toward the end of the third day. With no specific number in mind beyond the 350-run threshold, the West Indies remain focused on building a substantial first-innings lead to put pressure on the visitors.
Jangoo scored 26 as all West Indies batters on display got into double digits even though not many kicked on. The ones who did were Brandon King, who scored 46 in 50 balls opening the innings, and the two unbeaten men in the middle: Justin Greaves on 64 and Roston Chase on 36.
West Indies won the first Test in Tarouba on a pitch where spin played only a peripheral role; all 40 wickets went to the quicks. There, they had put up 311 batting first. Here, they are looking for slightly more and the second day will have to be when they get them.
