'I've never been in a situation like that before' – Roach revels in Jamaica heist

West Indies began and ended the fourth day exceptionally well in the first Test at Sabina Park to put up 12 points on board in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 table. But what made the match so memorable and engrossing was everything that unfolded in between.

West Indies restricted Pakistan to 203 all out, setting themselves a target of 168. The visitors started the day at 160/5 with Babar Azam still in the middle. However, once he fell within seven overs of the day, the 19-year-old Jayden Seales wrapped up the tail quickly, completing his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Incredibly, Seales' performance will be remembered just as much for the unbeaten 2 he scored against a fiery Pakistan bowling line-up, in the company of Kemar Roach, to help West Indies cross the line with just a wicket to spare.

The result meant West Indies enjoyed the view from the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 table.

Throughout the day, Pakistan and West Indies traded blows, but at no point did it seem that one team was comfortably ahead of the other. In the end, it was Roach's valiant 30* from No.9 that proved the difference.

"I have never been in a situation like that before, batting with the tail," said Kemar Roach after the game. "I am part of the tail, so for me it was to go out there and believe ... that was the biggest thing, to believe and stay positive. And it worked, and I give thanks."

Seldom in his career has Roach been the veteran batsman but that was exactly what he was to the three-Test old Seales coming in to bat at 151/9. Roach's advice, as simple as it might have been, proved to be effective enough for the two to string a 17-run stand for the final wicket to guide Windies to a win.

"The plan was to just stay positive. That's me," he added. "I was just trying to take on every ball as it came. This is by far the most important innings so far. I was just trying to pick the gaps and run hard.

"My advice to Jayden was, 'just protect the stumps.' The biggest threat is the straight ball. He did it very well. He is a star for the future. His five wickets today speaks wonders about our cricket. All the best to him, and I wish him a great career!"

From recording their second-highest successful run-chase in Test history six months ago against Bangladesh, thanks to Kyle Mayers' epic 210*, to pulling off a last-wicket heist against Pakistan, West Indies are making a mark in the longest format, powered by their youngsters.