MULTAN: Spinner Jomel Warrican led the West Indies to a historic Test victory in Pakistan, their first in nearly 35 years. The visitors secured a 120-run win in the second Test on Monday, leveling the series 1-1.
Warrican’s exceptional performance was the highlight of the match. He claimed five wickets in the second innings, taking his total to nine in the game and 19 in the series. His mastery on spin-friendly pitches left Pakistan struggling throughout the match.
This victory marked the West Indies’ first Test win in Pakistan since November 1990, when they triumphed in Faisalabad. Their tours in 1997 and 2006 had ended without success.
Chasing 254, Pakistan resumed their innings on day three at 76-4. Hopes were pinned on Saud Shakeel, but Kevin Sinclair dismissed him for just 13, catching him in the slip. The dismissal further weakened Pakistan’s fading chances.
Captain Babar Azam was the top scorer for the hosts with 31 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 25. However, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled, and they were all out for 133.
Warrican dismissed nightwatchman Kashif Ali for one early in the day, putting Pakistan at 76-6. Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha tried to steady the innings with a 39-run partnership for the seventh wicket. But Warrican trapped Salman leg before wicket for 15 and later bowled Rizwan, bringing the West Indies closer to victory.
Gudakesh Motie, who took 2-35, removed Noman Ali for six. Warrican fittingly took the final wicket, bowling Sajid Khan for seven, sealing the memorable win.
The defeat pushed Pakistan to ninth and last place in the World Test Championship (WTC) table. Meanwhile, the West Indies ended their campaign in eighth position.
Australia, the defending champions, are set to face South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s in June.
This victory underscores the West Indies’ resilience and marks a significant moment in their cricketing history.
