Summary
- Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted his side’s batting collapse was the decisive factor in their 90‑run defeat to West Indies in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
- Speaking after the match, Azam said Pakistan had shown fight over the first three days but failed to deliver with the bat when it mattered.
- Despite the loss, Azam remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances in the second Test.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted his side’s batting collapse was the decisive factor in their 90‑run defeat to West Indies in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Chasing 211, Pakistan were bowled out for just 120, handing the hosts a 1‑0 lead in the two‑match series.
Speaking after the match, Azam said Pakistan had shown fight over the first three days but failed to deliver with the bat when it mattered. “As a batting unit, we weren’t up to the mark. We kept losing wickets in quick succession, and our batting let us down,” he reflected.
He dismissed suggestions that the pitch was to blame, noting that while the surface offered movement with the new ball, it remained playable. “West Indies bowled very well and used the conditions brilliantly. By the fourth day, the ball was keeping low and bouncing unevenly. We weren’t able to build partnerships, and that’s why we lost,” he explained.
Azam highlighted the absence of opener Shan Masood, who is sidelined with a fractured finger, as a setback but stressed that other batters must take responsibility. “Yes, Shan’s injury affected us, but when you’re facing the new ball you have to survive the first 20 overs and build partnerships. We couldn’t do that,” he said.
Despite the loss, Azam remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances in the second Test. “We’ll sit together and discuss these things. While the result didn’t go our way, we can certainly address our mistakes. We’ll do our best to correct them and ensure we improve going forward,” he added.
