Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad penalised for aggressive celebrations during WI Test

Pakistan pacers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad have each been handed one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against the West Indies. While Shahzad was fined 15% of his match fee, Abbas received an official reprimand after both players were found guilty of violating Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

Article 2.5 relates to using language, actions, or gestures that disparage or could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter following their dismissal. The incidents occurred during Pakistan's spirited bowling effort in the Test.

Both Abbas and Shahzad admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe, eliminating the need for formal hearings. It was the first offence for both players in the past 24 months. As per ICC regulations, if a player accumulates four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, those points are converted into suspension points, which can result in a ban.

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Despite Pakistan's disciplined bowling performance at various stages of the match, the West Indies registered a convincing 90-run victory to take the lead in the series. The Caribbean side, captained by Roston Chase, continued their impressive resurgence in Test cricket after recently defeating Sri Lanka in a Test series for the first time in 23 years.

West Indies posted 311 in their first innings, thanks to impressive knocks from Shai Hope (92) and Kavem Hodge (84). Pakistan responded with 282, with Shan Masood producing a determined century and Imam-ul-Haq contributing a valuable half-century.

All-rounder Justin Greaves starred with the ball, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His remarkable spell included five consecutive wicket maidens. The hosts held a slender 29-run first-innings lead, the West Indies were restricted to 181 in their second innings. Abbas claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul, while Shamar Joseph provided crucial lower-order runs with a quickfire 38 off 27 balls.

Chasing 211 for victory, Pakistan's batting faltered once again. Captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 58, carrying his bat through the innings, but received little support from the rest of the lineup. Only two other Pakistani batters reached double figures as the visitors were bowled out for 120, with Jayden Seales producing a sensational spell of 5/20 to seal a memorable West Indies triumph.