In a challenging opening day of the first Test against the West Indies, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan displayed resilience, guiding Pakistan to 143-4 after early trouble. The pair’s unbeaten half-centuries steadied the innings as Pakistan recovered from a precarious 46-4. This fightback, critical on a pitch expected to favor spin in later days, highlights Pakistan’s efforts to stay competitive in the World Test Championship.
Early Struggles for Pakistan
After winning the toss and choosing to bat on a dry, grassless Multan Stadium pitch, Pakistan faced immediate setbacks. Opening batter Muhammad Hurraira, on debut, fell to Jayden Seales for six runs, edging to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach in the sixth over. Shan Masood, the captain, followed soon after, dismissed by left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for 11.
The trouble deepened as Kamran Ghulam was trapped leg-before by Seales for five. Star batter Babar Azam also struggled, managing only eight runs before edging Seales behind the wicket. At 46-4, Pakistan was in dire straits.
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Shakeel and Rizwan Lead the Fightback
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan came together at a crucial moment. The left-right batting combination countered the three-pronged spin attack from the West Indies with caution and precision. Shakeel, solid in defense, reached his ninth Test half-century, hitting four boundaries along the way. Rizwan, confident in his stroke play, notched his 11th half-century with seven boundaries.
Their partnership of 97 runs not only stabilized Pakistan’s innings but also gave the team a chance to aim for a competitive total. Rizwan acknowledged the challenging conditions, saying, “This pitch is tough to bat on. We batted with caution and took advantage of loose balls. We are targeting a total of 300 or more.”
Jayden Seales Shines for the West Indies
West Indies’ Jayden Seales was the standout bowler of the day, claiming 3-21 in 10 overs. His sharp deliveries and ability to extract movement troubled Pakistan’s top order. Seales remarked, “My aim was to build pressure and take wickets. Spin will likely play a key role on this pitch in the coming days.”
Weather Interruptions and Pitch Conditions
The start of the match was delayed due to thick fog and poor air quality, which wiped out the first session. With only 41.3 overs bowled on Day 1, time remains a factor in this Test. The Multan pitch, known for its dryness, is expected to deteriorate further, making batting progressively harder and putting spinners in the spotlight.
World Test Championship Context
The two-match series is crucial for both teams as part of the World Test Championship. Pakistan ranks eighth, while the West Indies hold the ninth and last spot. A strong performance in this series could improve their standings in the competition.
As Day 2 approaches, all eyes will be on Shakeel and Rizwan to build on their strong partnership and set a challenging target for the West Indies on a tricky pitch.
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