Pakistan's Batters Dominate West Indies Select XI in Four-Day Warm-Up Before Test Series Opener

Pakistan emerged from their four-day warm-up match against a West Indies Select XI with substantial momentum, posting a first-innings total of 455 for four that established commanding control at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Two centuries highlighted the visitors' batting dominance, positioning them with a decisive 176-run lead heading into the final days of preparation before Saturday's inaugural Test.

Comprehensive Batting Display Defines Preparation

Pakistan's opening batsmen constructed the foundation for their overwhelming position during the first two days at the academy in Trinidad. Azan Awais compiled 100 off 241 balls before retiring hurt, anchoring a productive partnership with captain Babar Azam. Azam followed suit, bringing up his century off 151 deliveries—containing 12 fours and one six—before also retiring from the match. Abdullah Fazal contributed a half-century during his own contribution to the innings, while Muhammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 44 off 103 balls as Pakistan declared their first innings.

Facing a substantial deficit of 176 runs, the West Indies Select XI managed 279 in response. Kavem Hodge came close to a century with 92, while Tagenarine Chanderpaul demonstrated characteristic patience with 51. Jyd Goolie added valuable lower-order resistance unbeaten on 47. Pakistan's bowling unit was led by Mohammad Ali, whose incisive spell produced exceptional figures of 5-37, supported by Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman, each collecting two wickets.

Extended Preparation Builds Confidence

Pakistan declined to enforce the follow-on despite their commanding first-innings advantage, instead opting to provide their batting lineup additional time in the middle before competitive cricket commences. The strategy yielded productive results as Awais Zafar anchored the second innings with 128 not out after retiring, while Abdullah Faisal retired not out on 48. Ali Usman contributed an attractive 41 as Pakistan closed on 219 for four in 60.1 overs. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican provided one of the few bright spots for the home side, finishing with 2-36 across both innings after making useful runs with the bat. Fast bowlers Anderson Phillip and Ojay Shields each contributed a wicket as the match concluded in a draw.