Greaves, Chase Rescue West Indies as Pakistan Miss Chances on Rain-Hit Day 1

Justin Greaves produced a composed unbeaten half-century while Roston Chase offered solid support as West Indies recovered from a middle-order wobble to finish the opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan at 239-5 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain on Sunday.

Play was cut short by bad light after just 74 overs, but the hosts ended the day in a commanding position thanks to an unbroken 66-run partnership between Greaves and Chase. Greaves remained unbeaten on 64, while Chase was on 36, ensuring West Indies closed the day without suffering any further setbacks.

After winning the toss, West Indies elected to bat on a surface expected to assist spin as the match progresses. The innings began positively with Brandon King taking an attacking approach. The opener struck 46 off 50 balls, punishing loose deliveries and sharing a 49-run opening stand with Tagenarine Chanderpaul before rain disrupted the morning session, limiting play to just 9.5 overs.

Pakistan hit back strongly after lunch as the pitch began offering significant turn. Ali Usman dismissed King, while Sajid Khan removed Kavem Hodge (10) and debutant Ubaid Shah accounted for Amir Jangoo (26). At 120-4, the visitors appeared to have seized control.

However, Shai Hope steadied the innings with a patient 29 and added 53 runs with Greaves before being bowled by Mohammad Ali shortly after tea.

Greaves then took charge, bringing up his fifty in 92 deliveries before combining with Chase to frustrate Pakistan's bowlers during the final session. Their unbeaten partnership ensured West Indies ended the day in a strong position on a pitch expected to become increasingly difficult for batting.

Pakistan's bowlers created opportunities but were undermined by inconsistent fielding and a lack of sustained pressure. Mohammad Ali finished as the pick of the attack with 2-49, while Usman, Sajid Khan and Ubaid Shah claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan made a bold selection call before the match by leaving out experienced pacer Mohammad Abbas, despite his eight-wicket haul in the first Test, opting instead to hand Ubaid Shah his Test debut. The visitors also brought in Abdullah Shafique for the injured Shan Masood, who was ruled out with a fractured left index finger.

With Greaves and Chase firmly settled at the crease, West Indies will look to build a match-winning first-innings total when play resumes.