WI vs PAK, 1st Test: Kavem Hodge keeps West Indies stable on rain‑marred day 1

Kavem Hodge displayed immense control and struck his fourth half‑century to keep the West Indies stable on a rain‑truncated opening day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Almost two hours of play were lost due to persistent drizzle, and the visitors were only able to send down 67 overs after being asked to field first.

Hodge was involved in a few crucial partnerships that ensured the hosts did not lose wickets in clusters against a largely disciplined attack led by veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas.

Hodge, 33, added 51 runs for the second wicket alongside Tagenarine Chanderpaul after Abbas rocked West Indies early by dismissing Brandon King. King attempted to drive a length ball pitched outside off through the covers but managed only to drag it onto his stumps. 

Chanderpaul could not capitalise on a promising start and edged one straight to Salman Ali Agha in the second slip, giving Aamer Jamal a wicket in his first over on international return.

Amir Jangoo suffered a similar fate to Chanderpaul. Batting on 21, Jangoo successfully negotiated the challenging period early on but was pinned in front of his stumps by a delivery from Abbas that jagged back sharply.

West Indies were under pressure at 106/3, but Hodge and Shai Hope (39*) stitched together an unbeaten 88‑run stand for the fourth wicket to bring calmness to the dressing room. Cognizant that Pakistan had tasted blood, both Hodge and Hope exercised extreme caution and bided their time. Hodge finished unbeaten on 83 at stumps and looks poised to notch up his third Test hundred.

From Pakistan’s perspective, it turned out to be a frustrating day as rain provided the West Indies with much‑needed reprieve at crucial moments. Barring Jamal, who conceded 54 runs in 10 overs, all the other bowlers, including the debutant Ali Usman, bowled with plenty of control.