West Indies rejoice after clinching one-wicket win against Pakistan in Jamaica Test

Fast bowler Kemar Roach steers tense chase as hosts secure just the 15th win in Test history with last wicket standing

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West Indies kept their cool during a dramatic finish to the first Test against Pakistan as fast bowler Kemar Roach scored an unbeaten 30 to secure a one-wicket victory in Kingston, Jamaica.

Roach and fellow quick Jayden Seales (two) stitched together an 17-run partnership as the hosts reached their target of 168 for the loss of nine wickets after the West Indies had bowled Pakistan out for 203 in their second innings, with Seales taking 5-55.

Defending a modest target, left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi led the way with 4-50 as he reduced the home team to 114-7 with only wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua da Silva and the tailenders left.

However, Babar Azam's visitors lost their discipline with the ball and in the field to surrender a winning position. Roach, who was dropped twice, hit the winning runs off Hasan Ali to celebrate just the 15th one-wicket victory in Test history.

Coincidentally, it was Hasan who missed a simple chance at square-leg off Shaheen which allowed Roach to complete the job.

Earlier, the 19-year-old Seales became the youngest West Indian to get a Test five-wicket haul as he rolled over Pakistan's lower order after they resumed on 160-5.

Roach took the first wicket of the morning then Kyle Mayers had captain Babar, who top-scored with 55, before Seales snared the remaining three wickets.

"I just decided to take it step by step, run by run," said matchwinner Roach.

"This is easily the most important innings I have ever played and credit to Jayden as well for holding on with me at the end and for his five-wicket haul today because he is someone really special as a young fast bowler."

Pakistan captain Babar admitted poor fielding cost his team victory after the tourists dropped three catches in the second innings.

"This is the beauty of Test cricket. Our bowlers were really good, especially Shaheen and Abbas," Babar said.

"Had we taken those catches the result could have been different."

The second and final Test will also be held behind closed doors at Sabina Park, Kingston starting on Friday.


Updated: August 16, 2021, 11:13 AM