The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Playing XI for the second and final Test against the West Indies, scheduled to begin on January 25 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
The Green Shirts lead the two-match series 1-0, following a commanding 127-run victory in the first Test at the same venue.
Key Change: Kashif Ali’s Test Debut
Pakistan has made just one change to their lineup, handing a Test debut to right-arm pacer Kashif Ali in place of Khurram Shahzad.
Ali has been in exceptional form in first-class cricket, with his standout performance being a five-wicket haul for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka in November 2024. His consistent displays have earned him a spot in the national side, where he will serve as the sole pacer in a spin-heavy bowling attack featuring Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed.
Unchanged Batting Lineup
The batting lineup remains the same as the first Test. Muhammad Huraira, a promising young opener, will partner with captain Shan Masood at the top. The middle-order features seasoned batters Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, vice-captain Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan’s Playing XI
- Shan Masood (c)
- Muhammad Huraira
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel (vc)
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sajid Khan
- Noman Ali
- Abrar Ahmed
- Kashif Ali
West Indies Playing XI
The West Indies, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, remain unchanged and are determined to level the series.
- Kraigg Brathwaite (c)
- Joshua Da Silva (vc)
- Alick Athanaze
- Keacy Carty
- Justin Greaves
- Kavem Hodge
- Tevin Imlach
- Amir Jangoo
- Mikyle Louis
- Gudakesh Motie
- Anderson Phillip
Multan Awaits
With a lead in the series, Pakistan aims to continue their dominance in Multan. All eyes will be on Kashif Ali as he makes his debut, while the West Indies will look to bounce back with a stronger performance.
Stay tuned as the action unfolds on January 25!
