Hodge's unbeaten 83 helps West Indies reach 194/3 on Day 1

Kavem Hodge scored an unbeaten 83 as West Indies finished day one at 194/3 against Pakistan. Rain and bad light restricted play to just 67 overs.

The opening day of the contest was disrupted by the weather, reducing the time available for either side to force a decisive advantage. Mohammad Abbas took two early wickets for Pakistan, but the visitors found it difficult to stem the flow of runs thereafter. Hodge and Shai Hope combined for an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both teams entered the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

Hodge stood out with the highest score of the innings, remaining not out on 83 while guiding West Indies through the curtailed day. His innings provided the backbone of the total as others contributed around him, ensuring the hosts reached a competitive position despite the interruptions. The unbeaten nature of his knock will be central to West Indies' plans when play resumes.

Pakistan’s bowling produced early rewards when Mohammad Abbas dismissed two batsmen in the opening phase, giving his side a foothold. After those initial breakthroughs, however, Pakistan struggled to contain the partnership between Hodge and Hope. The limited overs available due to rain and bad light meant the bowlers had fewer opportunities to apply sustained pressure.

The fourth-wicket stand of 88 between Hodge and Shai Hope proved decisive in moving the scoreboard to 194/3 by the close of play. Both batsmen remained at the crease when the day ended, leaving West Indies with wickets in hand and momentum from that partnership. The truncated first day curtailed further developments, but the pair’s stand shaped the match situation.

West Indies reached stumps on 194/3 after 67 overs, with Kavem Hodge unbeaten on 83 and Shai Hope alongside him in an 88-run fourth-wicket partnership. Rain and bad light significantly reduced playing time, and both teams began the series at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.