Pakistan tightened their grip over the first Test against the West Indies in Multan, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaking havoc on a spin-friendly pitch. The duo claimed nine wickets, bowling the visitors out for 137 and giving Pakistan a 93-run first-innings lead. Later, Shan Masood’s composed half-century extended Pakistan’s advantage to 202 runs by the end of the day.
Spin Pair Topple West Indies
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were at their best on a surface that played into their hands. Sajid struck early, removing Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty off consecutive balls. Within three overs, he had four scalps, leaving the West Indies in tatters. Noman then joined the act, exploiting the rough patches to claim five wickets, finishing with figures of 5 for 39.
West Indies’ resistance was minimal. At one point, they were reeling at 66 for 8. Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican attempted a late counterattack, adding a quick 46-run partnership for the final wicket. Warrican’s unorthodox reverse sweeps and Motie’s belligerence provided a brief respite, but Abrar Ahmed eventually dismissed Jayden Seales to end the innings.
Pakistan Start Strong in the Second Innings
Pakistan’s second innings began with intent. Shan Masood led the charge, showing urgency and skill against spin. He utilized his feet well, finding gaps and punishing loose deliveries. His fifty anchored Pakistan’s innings as the lead grew past 200.
Mohammad Hurraira supported Masood with a steady 29, but Jomel Warrican kept West Indies in contention with his sharp bowling. He dismissed Hurraira and Babar Azam with deliveries that carried on with the arm, catching both batters off guard.
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Masood’s knock ended in a run-out after a miscommunication with Kamran Ghulam. Despite his departure, Pakistan remained in control, ending the day at 109 for 3 with seven wickets in hand.
First-Innings Collapse
Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled to build on Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan’s 141-run partnership. Shakeel, who fell 16 runs short of a fifth Test century, edged a delivery from Kevin Sinclair that turned sharply. This breakthrough triggered a collapse as Pakistan lost four wickets for just 13 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan battled hard for his 71 but fell to a reverse sweep that was successfully reviewed by the West Indies. The lower order added some quick runs, with Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad hitting a few boundaries. However, Warrican wrapped up the innings at 230 just before lunch.
A Day of Dominance
Nineteen wickets fell on day two, with Pakistan emerging as the dominant side. Their spinners exploited the conditions brilliantly, and their batters capitalized to extend the lead. As the game heads into day three, Pakistan holds a commanding position, leaving West Indies with a daunting challenge to fight back.
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