In a dramatic day of cricket at Multan, Pakistan extended their lead to 202 runs in the ongoing Test match against the West Indies. The West Indies were bowled out for a paltry 137 in their first innings, with Pakistan’s spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, sharing the spotlight by taking nine wickets between them. Despite starting their second innings with three wickets down, Pakistan remains firmly in control of the match, leading by a commanding margin after Day 2.
The visitors, who had initially shown promise with a solid opening partnership, were eventually overwhelmed by Pakistan’s spinners on a dry, grassless pitch. By the close of play, Pakistan had reached 109-3 in their second innings, with Kamran Ghulam (9*) and Saud Shakeel (2*) at the crease. However, due to poor visibility caused by bad light, the match was halted 25 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan’s Dominant Spin Attack
The day belonged to Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who wreaked havoc on the West Indies’ batting lineup. Noman Ali, who had been in fine form throughout the series, claimed a stunning 5-39 in the West Indies’ first innings. This was Noman’s seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket, an achievement that showcased his growing reputation as one of Pakistan’s premier spinners.
Alongside him, Sajid Khan took 4-65, proving his worth as an attacking bowler in conditions favorable for spin. Together, the two bowlers reduced the West Indies to a dismal 66-8, with only some resistance from the tail enders preventing a complete collapse.
The West Indies, who had initially looked promising in their opening stand, found themselves quickly on the backfoot as Pakistan’s spinners dictated the proceedings. Noman Ali accounted for four crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kraigg Brathwaite, and Kavem Hodge. With the West Indies reeling, Sajid Khan added early breakthroughs, leaving the visitors struggling to recover.
West Indies’ Batting Collapse After Strong Start
The West Indies’ response to Pakistan’s total of 230 began well, with an initial 67-run partnership between Muhammad Hurraira and Shan Masood. However, the batting collapse started soon after, with Pakistan’s bowlers making key breakthroughs at regular intervals.
Jomel Warrican, the West Indies’ left-arm spinner, claimed 2-17, dismissing Muhammad Hurraira for 29 and Babar Azam for a low score of 5. He also ran out Shan Masood, who had made 52, including two sixes and two fours. Despite this initial resistance, the West Indies lost wickets at a rapid pace.
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan’s spin domination was the main story of the day, with both bowlers taking complete control of the West Indies’ innings. Noman’s crucial spells allowed Pakistan to take the upper hand, and by the time the visitors were dismissed for 137, they were left trailing Pakistan by 93 runs.
Pakistan’s Second Innings: A Strong Lead
By the close of Day 2, Pakistan had added 109 runs for the loss of three wickets, leading the West Indies by 202 runs. The day had started with Pakistan’s batting line-up struggling to add runs after their first-innings collapse, but Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71) had steadied the ship with a 141-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their partnership brought Pakistan back from a precarious 46-4 to a more respectable total of 230.
Despite the solid contribution from Shakeel and Rizwan, the Pakistan team faced a setback after the drinks break, when both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. Rizwan was given out leg-before to Kevin Sinclair, while Shakeel was dismissed shortly after for a well-played 84.
The Final Sessions: West Indies’ Struggles and Pakistan’s Advantage
The West Indies’ tail showed some resistance, but their efforts were largely in vain as Pakistan’s spinners continued to make breakthroughs. Jomel Warrican remained unbeaten on 31, while Gudakesh Motie added 19 runs, offering some brief hope. However, the West Indies were still a long way from challenging Pakistan’s total.
The dry, grassless pitch at Multan has proven to be a graveyard for the West Indies’ batting, with 20 wickets falling across just five sessions of play. Despite the interruptions due to poor visibility, the spinners have thrived in the conditions, and Pakistan’s bowlers have made quick work of the West Indies’ lineup.
FAQs About the Pakistan vs West Indies Test Match
1. Who are the top performers for Pakistan in this Test match?
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are the standout performers for Pakistan, with Noman claiming a five-wicket haul and Sajid taking four wickets in the West Indies’ first innings. Their contributions have been pivotal in giving Pakistan a commanding lead.
2. How did the West Indies perform in the first innings?
The West Indies were bowled out for just 137 in their first innings, trailing Pakistan by 93 runs. Despite a promising opening partnership of 67 runs, the West Indies’ batting collapsed under pressure from Pakistan’s spinners.
3. What was Pakistan’s total in the first innings?
Pakistan scored 230 runs in their first innings, with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan contributing 84 and 71 runs, respectively. Their partnership for the fifth wicket helped Pakistan recover from 46-4 to a total that gave them a significant lead.
4. Why was the play ended early on Day 2?
The play was ended early on Day 2 due to bad light, with Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel at the crease. The match had to be halted 25 minutes before the scheduled close due to poor visibility in the stadium.
5. How has the pitch at Multan affected the game?
The pitch at Multan has been dry and grassless, offering plenty of turn for the spinners. This has resulted in 20 wickets falling in just five sessions, with spinners dominating the proceedings.
Conclusion: Pakistan in Control, West Indies Struggling
After two days of intense play, Pakistan has firmly established control in the first Test against the West Indies in Multan. Thanks to a dominant performance by their spinners, particularly Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, Pakistan has extended their lead to 202 runs. With their bowlers in fine form and a strong second innings underway, Pakistan will be looking to push for victory in the coming days. Meanwhile, the West Indies will need a remarkable comeback to stay in the game, but with their batting faltering under pressure, it remains to be seen if they can mount a challenge.
