In the first Test match in Multan, Pakistan’s spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered outstanding performances, propelling the team into a dominant position against the West Indies. Noman Ali achieved remarkable figures of 5 for 39, marking his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests, while Sajid Khan secured 4 for 65. Their combined efforts dismantled the West Indies’ batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 137 runs in their first innings.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 143 for 4 but lost their remaining wickets quickly, adding only 43 more runs to their total. Saud Shakeel top-scored with a gritty 84, while Mohammad Rizwan supported him with 71 runs. The duo built a crucial 141-run partnership, but West Indies’ spinner Jomel Warrican struck back, taking three wickets for 69 runs. Pakistan ended their first innings at 230 all out.
In reply, the West Indies struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack. Sajid Khan removed both openers, including captain Kraigg Brathwaite, while Noman dismantled the middle and lower order. A late 46-run stand for the last wicket between Jomel Warrican (31 not out) and Jayden Seales (22) helped the West Indies reach 137 before being bowled out.
With a lead of 93 runs, Pakistan started their second innings strongly. Openers Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira added 67 runs before Hurraira was dismissed for 29. Masood continued to score a steady 52 before being run out. By the end of Day 2, Pakistan was 109 for 3, with a lead of 202 runs. Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten at the crease.
The Multan pitch, favoring spin, has played a key role in the game, with 22 wickets falling in just six sessions. Pakistan now holds a strong position as they look to extend their lead further on Day 3.
