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July 29, 2026

Babar Azam Reveals Why Pakistan Lost First Test to West Indies

Babar Azam Reveals Why Pakistan Lost First Test to West Indies

Pakistan captain Babar Azam did not hide behind excuses after his side crashed to a 90-run defeat against West Indies in the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Instead, he pointed directly at the batting unit, saying repeated failures to build partnerships left the visitors chasing the game.

The Pakistan vs West Indies Test looked evenly balanced through the opening two days. Pakistan stayed in the contest with disciplined bowling and moments of control. Everything changed when the chase of 211 began. Wickets fell in clusters, pressure mounted quickly, and the innings folded for just 120.

Babar admitted the batting performance fell well below the standard expected at Test level. He said the team had shown enough quality earlier in the match but could not respond when the contest reached its defining stage.

He also dismissed suggestions that the surface alone decided the result. According to Babar, the pitch offered assistance with the new ball, something Pakistan had anticipated before the match even began. He praised the West Indies attack for making full use of those conditions while insisting his own side failed to adjust.

As the fourth day progressed, uneven bounce became more noticeable. Even then, Babar felt Pakistan had opportunities to stay alive if the batters had spent more time at the crease. Partnerships never developed, and every breakthrough handed momentum back to the home side.

Shan Masood Blow Adds to Pakistan's Problems

Another setback arrived with Shan Masood's absence. Babar confirmed the experienced left-hander suffered a fractured finger, leaving Pakistan without one of its senior opening options.

The captain explained that surviving the opening spell remains critical in Caribbean conditions. Once the shine disappears, batting becomes more manageable. Pakistan never reached that stage often enough, and the innings kept resetting after every dismissal.

The Babar Azam Pakistan Test defeat discussion has already intensified among supporters, with many questioning the team's batting approach after another disappointing result away from home. Babar accepted that criticism would follow but stressed the squad must learn from its mistakes instead of dwelling on the defeat.

The Babar Azam Pakistan Test defeat story now shifts toward the second Test, where Pakistan will attempt to level the series. Team management is expected to review the batting order, assess Shan Masood's fitness, and search for answers before another demanding contest against a confident West Indies side.