Spinners Shine in Multan
Spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan delivered a spectacular performance on the second day of the first Test in Multan, combining for nine wickets to dismiss the West Indies for a paltry 137. Their efforts, along with captain Shan Masood’s half-century in the second innings, helped Pakistan establish a commanding 202-run lead.
Noman Ali claimed a five-wicket haul, while Sajid Khan’s destructive spell accounted for four quick wickets, leaving the visitors in dire straits at 22-4 early in their innings. Khan’s aggression with the new ball paid dividends despite conceding 65 runs in 12 overs.
Pakistan’s First-Innings Collapse
Earlier, Pakistan’s first innings, which resumed at 143-4, ended on 230 after losing six wickets within 12 overs. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan fell victim to off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, while Jomel Warrican claimed three wickets on the spin-friendly surface.
West Indies Struggle with the Bat
In reply, West Indies faced a batting collapse orchestrated by Pakistan’s spinners. Sajid Khan dismissed openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis and sent Keacy Carty back for a golden duck. Warrican, coming in at number 10, showed resilience with an unbeaten 31, forming a crucial 46-run last-wicket partnership with Jayden Seales, who scored 22, including three sixes. Extras, contributing 22 runs, were the joint second-highest score in the innings.
Strong Start in Pakistan’s Second Innings
Pakistan’s second innings began with a solid 67-run opening stand between Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira. Warrican broke the partnership by trapping Hurraira leg-before for 35 and later dismissed Babar Azam in a similar manner. Masood appeared set for a significant score but was run out for 52 after hesitating on a quick single.
Pakistan ended the day at 109-3, with Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel at the crease before bad light forced an early close.
West Indies Aim to Restrict Pakistan
Speaking after the day’s play, Warrican emphasized the importance of limiting Pakistan’s lead. “The goal is to restrict them to under 250 or, at most, 275. On a spinning track, anything above that will be tough to chase,” he said.
As the Test continues, Pakistan’s spinners remain the key to maintaining their dominance over the visitors on a challenging pitch.
