The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan saw high drama as spin dominated proceedings on the opening day. Pakistan’s Noman Ali claimed a stunning hat-trick to help dismiss the visitors for 163, but the West Indies bowlers responded strongly, reducing Pakistan to 70-4 at tea. Saud Shakeel (14) and Mohammad Rizwan (13) were at the crease as Pakistan trailed by 93 runs at the interval.
Noman Ali’s Record-Breaking Performance
On a spin-friendly pitch, Noman Ali delivered a sensational performance, taking 6-41. His hat-trick made him the first Pakistani spinner to achieve the feat in Test cricket. After West Indies won the toss and elected to bat, their innings unraveled in just 41.1 overs. Noman’s heroics included the dismissals of Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair off consecutive deliveries. He also wrapped up the innings, earning his eighth five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
The collapse was triggered after Noman trapped West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite lbw for nine. The visitors crumbled from 32-2 to 38-8 in just 14 deliveries.
West Indies Tail-Enders Add Crucial Runs
Despite the top-order failure, West Indies avoided complete disaster thanks to Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican. Motie top-scored with a career-best 55, forming a vital 68-run partnership for the last wicket with Warrican, who remained unbeaten on 36. Motie also added 41 runs for the ninth wicket with Kemar Roach, delaying Pakistan’s momentum before Noman struck again to end the innings.
Pakistan’s Spin Strategy Pays Off Again
Pakistan’s decision to rely heavily on spin mirrored their successful approach in the first Test, which they won by 127 runs. Off-spinner Sajid Khan dismissed debutants Amir Jangoo and Alick Athanaze for ducks, while Abrar Ahmed accounted for Kavem Hodge. Debutant pacer Kashif Ali also chipped in, dismissing Mikyle Louis for four in his first over.
West Indies Bowlers Hit Back
In response, the West Indies bowlers made early inroads. Kemar Roach dismissed openers Muhammad Hurraira and Shan Masood cheaply, while Gudakesh Motie continued his impressive day by removing Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam. The spin-friendly conditions continued to trouble the batters, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position heading into the next session.
The opening day in Multan was a showcase of spin dominance and dramatic collapses, setting the stage for an intriguing contest as both teams look to gain the upper hand.
