Pakistan’s Dominant Test Victory Over West Indies
Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, laid out a clear plan for his team’s journey to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final, following a commanding victory against the West Indies in the first Test. The match, completed in just 125 overs, showcased Pakistan’s adaptability and dominance in home conditions.
During a press conference, Masood highlighted the importance of consistency, strategic planning, and playing more Test matches to secure a spot in the WTC final.
Masood’s Blueprint for WTC Success
Masood emphasized the need for balance between home and away performances to ensure Pakistan’s advancement in the championship.
- Home Advantage: Winning all three home series is critical.
- Away Challenges: Securing at least one win and one draw in each away series is part of the strategy.
Masood dismissed criticisms of the Multan pitch, urging a shift in focus to the team’s overall performance and long-term strategy.
“People need to stop focusing on the pitch,” Masood said. “Every surface behaves differently. If fast bowlers don’t find help on a certain pitch, it’s not a concern. Our focus is on adapting to the conditions and playing strategically.”
Ramiz Raja Reflects on the Victory
Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja praised Pakistan’s victory, calling it a dominant performance that exposed the West Indies’ struggles against spin.
“This Test match was pocketed with authority,” Ramiz said. “The square-turning pitch exposed the West Indies’ lack of quality in dealing with spin.”
He highlighted the game-changing 141-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings, which gave Pakistan a commanding position.
Spin Attack Steals the Show
Pakistan’s trio of spinners—Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—played a pivotal role in dismantling the West Indies’ batting lineup.
- Abrar Ahmed: Praised for his relentless accuracy.
- Noman Ali: Deceptive with variations on a spinning track.
- Sajid Khan: Effective with his wide angles and versatility.
Together, they created an ideal combination that exploited the pitch conditions to perfection.
Lessons for the West Indies
Ramiz Raja urged the West Indies to learn from this defeat, emphasizing the need to improve their batting against spin and develop better strategies for future series.
“This should be a wake-up call for the West Indies. For Pakistan, it’s a golden opportunity to win the series 2-0 and build momentum for the home season,” he concluded.
