Had We Taken Those Dropped Catches, The Result Could Have Been Different: Babar Azam

Pakistan vs West Indies 1^st Test in Kingston was a nail-biting encounter. West Indies managed a victory against the Babar Azam-led side by just 1 wicket after chasing a 168-run target in the 2^nd innings. While speaking during the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam regretted the dropped catches by his team, which could have changed the result of the game.

In the first game of the two-match Test series, Pakistan scored 217 runs while batting in the first innings with the highest knock by Fawad Alam who hit 56 runs.

In reply, West Indies mustered 253 runs on the scoreboard. In the 2nd innings, West Indies bowled out Pakistan for 203, setting up a target of 168 for themselves. However, with a top-order collapse, West Indies faced a tough situation during the chase. In the end, the last two batsmen Kemar Roach (30*) and Jayden Seales (2*) bagged the winning runs for West Indies.

Result Could Have Been Different If We Had Taken Those Catches: Babar Azam

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam mentioned that had his team not dropped catches, the result would have been different.

“This is the beauty of Test cricket. We put in a good effort with the bat [first innings] and the bowlers then restricted them. Again, in the second innings, we fought with the bat and the bowlers hit back,” Babar Azam said.

“It was swinging and seaming throughout in the second innings. But we were patient, and our attempt was to stitch together partnerships. Our bowlers were really good, especially Abbas and Shaheen. Had we taken those dropped catches, the result could have been different,” Babar Azam added.

West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite called the Test to be remarkable, saying that his team never left winning hopes.

“Remarkable Test. We never lost hope. It was truly amazing. I thought Pakistan bowled really well. It is about patience – who has more patience will come out on top.

“The bowlers did a fantastic job. They were a little tired at times too. We have been working hard as a batting group. Blackwood has been hungry for runs, especially at his home ground [here]. It was a good cricket pitch, and had something for the pacers and value for runs,” Brathwaite said.

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With the victory, West Indies lead the two-match Test series 1-0. West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test will be played at the same venue i.e. Sabina Park, in Kingston. The match will commence on August 20 (Friday). Earlier in the 4-match T20I series, Pakistan won 1-0 after winning the 2nd T20I encounter. The rest three games were affected by rain and ended with no result.