On the third day of the Multan Test, Pakistan triumphed over the West Indies with a convincing 127-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match was marked by a formidable display of spin bowling from Pakistan, which left the West Indies batters struggling throughout both innings.
Second Innings Collapse for West Indies
Pakistan’s second innings saw the team being bowled out for 157 runs, setting a target of 251 runs for the visiting West Indies team. Sajid Khan once again became the nemesis for the West Indies batsmen, following up on his stellar first-innings performance.
Within just 12.5 overs, Sajid Khan managed to claim four wickets, restricting the West Indies to a mere 37 runs. Nauman Ali further compounded the visitors’ woes by taking another wicket, reducing the West Indies to 54 runs with half their team back in the pavilion. The continuous pressure from the Pakistani bowlers saw the West Indies team crumble, losing their sixth wicket at 95 runs and their last four wickets for just 28 more runs, ending their innings at 123 in 36.3 overs.
Stellar Bowling Performance
Sajid Khan led the charge with a remarkable five-wicket haul, while Abrar Ahmed claimed four wickets and Nauman Ali took one, sealing a comprehensive victory for Pakistan. This dominant bowling performance was the highlight of the match, as the West Indies batsmen found it difficult to counter the spin attack.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their second innings with Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam at the crease. However, the team struggled to build a substantial total, losing wickets at regular intervals. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were both dismissed for just two runs each, while Kamran Ghulam managed to score 27 runs before getting out.
The middle and lower order failed to stabilize the innings, with wickets falling at 109, 113, and 132 runs. The final four wickets fell for just 25 more runs, with Nauman Ali scoring 9, Sajid Khan 5, Khurram Shehzad 0, and Salman Agha 14. Abrar Ahmed remained not out with no runs to his name.
First Innings Recap
In the first innings, Pakistan had secured a lead by scoring 230 runs, while the West Indies were bundled out for 137 runs. Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali played pivotal roles in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up in just 25.2 overs.
Contributions from Key Players
The first innings saw significant contributions from Pakistani batsmen Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who played responsible innings to give Pakistan a substantial lead. This set the tone for the rest of the match, allowing the bowlers to dominate.
Praises from Leadership
Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice President of the Pakistan People’s Party, congratulated the Pakistan cricket team on their impressive victory. She highlighted the exceptional bowling performances by Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali as crucial to the win. Rehman also praised the responsible batting by Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings, which helped Pakistan gain a clear advantage.
Looking Ahead to the Second Test
Expressing optimism, Sherry Rehman hoped that the Pakistani batsmen would perform well in the second Test, also scheduled in Multan. She expressed confidence in Shan Masood’s captaincy, expecting Pakistan to win the series and take positive momentum into the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s dominant performance in the first Test against the West Indies, led by their spinners, sets a promising tone for the remainder of the series. Fans and experts alike are looking forward to the second Test, with hopes for continued success and strong performances from the team.
