Spin Duo Leads Pakistan to Dominance
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered a sensational performance on a spin-friendly Multan pitch, guiding Pakistan to a commanding position against the West Indies in the first Test. The duo claimed nine wickets between them, dismissing the visitors for just 137 in response to Pakistan’s 230 all out.
At the end of the second day, Pakistan had stretched their lead to 202 runs, finishing at 109-3 in their second innings. Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel were unbeaten on nine and two, respectively, when bad light ended play 25 minutes early.
Noman and Sajid Wreak Havoc
The Multan pitch, dry and grassless, offered substantial turn and bounce, allowing the spinners to dominate. Noman Ali registered figures of 5-39, marking his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests, while Sajid Khan contributed with 4-65.
Sajid set the tone early, dismantling the West Indies’ top order by removing Mikyle Louis (1), Keacy Carty (0), Kraigg Brathwaite (11), and Kavem Hodge (4) in his first three overs. Noman continued the assault, claiming four quick wickets to leave the tourists reeling at 66-8.
Despite the collapse, West Indies’ tailenders showed resilience. Jomel Warrican, batting at number 10, remained unbeaten on 31, and Gudakesh Motie contributed 19 runs. Jayden Seales hit three sixes in his 22-run cameo before falling to Abrar Ahmed, as the visitors were bowled out in just 25.2 overs.
Pakistan’s Batting: Key Contributions
Pakistan’s second innings saw an opening stand of 67 runs, but Jomel Warrican struck twice, dismissing Muhammad Hurraira (29) and Babar Azam (5). Skipper Shan Masood fought valiantly, scoring 52 with two sixes and two fours, before a run-out ended his innings.
Earlier, in the first innings, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan rescued Pakistan from a shaky start. The pair added 141 runs for the fifth wicket, lifting Pakistan from 46-4 to a respectable total. Shakeel top-scored with 84 off 157 balls, while Rizwan contributed 71.
The West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Warrican (3-69) and Seales (3-63), had Pakistan on the ropes at various stages but failed to sustain pressure throughout.
Player Insights
- Sajid Khan expressed confidence in Pakistan’s position, saying, “If we take our lead over 300, we can win this Test.” He also praised Noman Ali, adding, “It’s great to bowl with Noman, who always guides me.”
- West Indies’ Jomel Warrican emphasized the need to keep Pakistan’s lead under 250, saying, “We need a good comeback in our second innings on this spin-favouring pitch.”
Fog and Poor Visibility Impact Play
The match has been affected by foggy conditions, with two-and-a-half hours lost on day one and another 30 minutes on day two due to poor visibility. Despite these interruptions, the Multan pitch has already yielded 23 wickets in six sessions, promising an exciting conclusion to the match.
