Greaves half-century: West Indies 239-5 vs Pakistan in Trinidad

Greaves: 239-5 marked West Indies’ stumps score after Justin made 64 not out in a rain-affected second Test against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Sunday, August 3, 2026. The Cricinfo match report titled “half-century props up West Indies on rain-affected day” underscores how the weather impacted play, but the pressure remained high.[1][2]

Greaves: Overview: rescues West Indies on rain-shortened day

West Indies ended the rain-affected opening day with 239-5 at stumps in the second and final Test held in Port of Spain, Trinidad, according to the Cricinfo match report.[1][2] A major talking point before play began was the surprising omission of Mohammad Abbas. Pakistan, on the other hand, made four changes and included Ubaid Shah among two debutants, as mentioned in the same Cricinfo coverage.[2]

For Pakistan, the challenges included disrupted preparations and adjusted match-ups. The team focused on posting enough runs before rain curtailed the overs. In the middle of the innings, Justin and Roston Chase turned a shaky start into a solid finish.[1]

Key Details: 64 and the Chase partnership that held the innings

Justin ended unbeaten 64, and he partnered with Roston Chase to forge an unbeaten 66-runsixth wicket, providing much-needed stability as they reached stumps.[1][3] Chase finished at 36 not out, showing that the lower middle order aimed to thrive rather than just survive.[1]

His innings had a sharp edge, highlighted by near-misses. After reaching fifty, he benefited from a dropped catch by Babar Azam at leg slip off Sajid Khan, a moment that Cricinfo specifically noted.[1] In rain-affected cricket, every chance carries more weight—one missed opportunity can turn a “good knock” into the defining moment of the day.[1]

Context: Rain compresses time, and Pakistan’s changes reshape the pressure

Rain-affected openings often force quick decision-making: teams can’t fully bear the cost of mistakes with limited overs, and batters frequently face risks earlier than intended. This was evident as the West Indies needed a steady finish instead of a frantic acceleration, ending five wickets down with Justin and Chase still progressing.[1] For more details, check BBC Sport.

The Cricinfo report highlights Pakistan’s omission of Mohammad Abbas as a significant pre-play surprise, followed by four changes and debuts for Ubaid Shah and one other player.[2] These selection alterations not only shift bowling strategies but can also disrupt the match’s rhythm.[2]

Additionally, the dropped chance after Justin passed fifty—Babar at leg slip off Sajid Khan—serves as a reminder of how small margins can swing the game under tight conditions.[1]

What’s Next: West Indies’ platform and the unanswered question for Pakistan

With West Indies at 239-5, the immediate next challenge is clear but vital: can Pakistan snag a breakthrough early enough to stop the team from building on the Justin-Chase stability? The report’s focus on Justin’s unbeaten finish suggests the West Indies will enter the next session confident, yet they’ll be left wondering if they can add runs effectively without losing their momentum.[1]

For Pakistan, the emphasis shifts to maintaining bowling discipline and effective fielding, especially after the leg-slip chance that slipped away and cost them Justin’s potential wicket.[1] Given the match already bears the impact of Abbas’ omission and Pakistan’s four changes—including debutant Ubaid Shah—the team will need to find its rhythm quickly as they transition from weather interruptions to proper game time.[2]

FAQs

How many did Justin score on the rain-affected day?

Justin made 64 not out for West Indies on the rain-affected opening day, as pointed out in the Cricinfo match report.[1]

What partnership helped West Indies finish strongly?

Justin and Roston Chase put together an unbeaten 66-run sixth-wicket partnership, with Chase finishing on 36 not out.[1]

Who dropped the chance after Justin passed fifty?

The dropped catch came from Babar Azam at leg slip off Sajid Khan, according to Cricinfo’s account.[1]

Did rain affect the second Test in Trinidad?

Absolutely. The match was rain-affected on the opening day, with West Indies ending the day at 239-5 at stumps, per Cricinfo.[1]

, century talk, and the biggest takeaway

Justin didn’t have to score quickly—he needed to stay in and ensure safety—then add enough runs to make the day count, even after five wickets fell and rain cut the session