MULTAN: Pakistan’s spinners showcased their dominance at the Multan Cricket Stadium on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali led the spin attack, tearing through the West Indies batting lineup with precision. The visiting team struggled against the spin-friendly conditions, with tailender Jomel Warrican being the only batter to make an impact. Warrican managed 31 runs, hitting four boundaries and one six.
Earlier in the day, the West Indies spinners, Jomel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair, played a key role in dismissing Pakistan for 230. Warrican grabbed 3-69, while Sinclair picked up 2-61. Pakistan, who began the day at 143-4, lost six wickets for just 87 runs. Poor visibility delayed the start by 30 minutes, adding to the challenges.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan stood out with the bat for Pakistan. Shakeel top-scored with 84 runs, while Rizwan added 71. The two batters shared a crucial 141-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing Pakistan from a perilous 46-4 on the opening day.
However, Pakistan’s batting collapse began soon after the drinks break. Sinclair struck with his first delivery after the break, dismissing Shakeel. The batter’s 84 came from 157 balls and included six boundaries. Sinclair then trapped Rizwan leg-before with a missed reverse sweep, a decision reversed in West Indies’ favor upon review. Rizwan’s steady 133-ball innings featured nine boundaries.
From the other end, Warrican dismissed Salman Agha for two, with the batter edging an inside delivery onto the stumps. Noman Ali was run out without scoring, adding to Pakistan’s woes. Sajid Khan offered some late resistance, scoring a quick 18, including a boundary and a six, before Warrican bowled him on the stroke of lunch.
West Indies’ fast bowler Jayden Seales also contributed, claiming 3-27. All his wickets had come on the first day.
With Pakistan’s spinners dominating and West Indies relying on their bowlers, the match remains finely poised. The spin-friendly pitch promises more drama as the Test unfolds.
