Pakistan Dominate Warm-Up Against West Indies Select XI Ahead of First Test

How Pakistan Built Their Dominance

Pakistan's preparation for the Test series was methodical. After resuming on 78 overnight, Azan Awais reached his century off 241 balls before retiring hurt, having shared a 100-run partnership with Babar Azam. Azam then added 79 with Abdullah Fazal and brought up his 100 off 151 deliveries — an innings featuring 12 fours and a six — before also retiring. Off-spinner Ryan Bandoo (2-86) was the only bright spot for the Select XI bowling attack, accounting for the wickets of Salman Ali Agha (46) and Aamir Jamal (22).

The Select XI Fightback — and Collapse

The West Indies reply began shakily when opener Cephas Cooper was trapped lbw by veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas for just one run in the third over. However, Kavem Hodge and Tagenarine Chanderpaul stabilized the innings with a patient 148-run stand. Hodge reached 92 off 130 balls (including a six) and looked destined for a century before falling lbw. Chanderpaul's gritty 51 came from 128 balls.

What followed was a collapse that exposed the Select XI's middle-order fragility. Mbeki Joseph (5), Joshua Da Silva (0), and Joshua (0) all departed cheaply. Terrance Hinds counter-attacked briefly with 24 (including two sixes) before falling, alongside Anderson Phillip, in the same Aamir Jamal over, leaving the hosts at 212 for 8.

Goolie and Warrican's Rearguard

Jyd Goolie and Jomel Warrican then staged a vital recovery. Goolie played with increasing assurance, driving Abbas straight down the ground for four, while Warrican provided solid support as the pair guided the Select XI past 250 and safely to stumps on day three.

Second Innings and Pakistan's Continued Dominance

Holding a first-innings lead of 176, Pakistan declined to enforce the follow-on and chose to give their batters more time in the middle. Awais Zafar (128* retired) anchored the second innings, while Abdullah Faisal (48* retired) and Ali Usman (41) added momentum as Pakistan closed on 219/4.

Warrican impressed with the ball for the Select XI, taking 2-36, supported by Anderson Phillip and Ojay Shields (one wicket each). However, Mohammad Ali's five-wicket haul in the first innings (5-37) was the standout bowling performance of the match.

What This Means for the Test Series

With the first Test starting on Saturday at the same Brian Lara Cricket Academy venue, Pakistan carry significant momentum. Their batting unit is in solid form, their pace attack is effective, and the spin options have also contributed. For the West Indies, there are positives — particularly the form of Hodge, Chanderpaul, and Warrican — but the middle-order batting and consistency with the ball need urgent attention.

Where and when will the first Test between Pakistan and West Indies take place?\n\nA: The first Test begins on Saturday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, the same venue as the warm-up match.\n\nQ: Who were the top performers for Pakistan in the warm-up match?\n\nA: Azan Awais (100), Babar Azam (100), and Abdullah Fazal (50+) led with the bat. Mohammad Ali (5-37) was the standout bowler, supported by Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman (two wickets each).\n\nQ: Which West Indies players stood out?\n\nA: Kavem Hodge (92), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (51), Jyd Goolie (46*), and Jomel Warrican (24* and 2-36) produced encouraging performances for the Select XI.\n\nQ: Was the match a draw?**\n\nA: Yes, the four-day warm-up match ended in a draw, but Pakistan held the psychological advantage after dominating with bat and ball.

Can the West Indies bounce back after this warm-up setback, or will Pakistan's momentum prove too strong in the Test series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you think Babar Azam's form will carry into the Test matches? Let us know!

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