Pakistani spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali dominated the second day of the first Test in Multan, devastating the West Indies batting lineup post-lunch session; the visiting team had collapsed to 51-7, primarily due to Sajid’s impressive haul of four wickets and Noman’s three.
Pakistan, initially batting, posted a total of 230 runs in the first innings. Despite a shaky start at the Multan Cricket Stadium, significant contributions came from Saud Shakeel, who scored 84, and Mohammad Rizwan, who added 71. Their partnership was crucial in reaching a respectable total amidst challenging conditions exacerbated by foggy weather.
The partnership between Saud and Rizwan resumed on Saturday, building on their unbeaten efforts from the previous day. They helped Pakistan recover from a precarious 143-4, following Jayden Seales’ disruptive three-wicket spell on Friday. However, the duo eventually succumbed to Sinclair’s bowling.
The match faced a half-hour delayed start on Saturday morning due to fog, which had already disrupted the first session on Friday. Pakistan’s decision to bat first under foggy conditions seemed to backfire when they slumped to 46-4. Captain Shan Masood’s strategy appeared questionable as Seales dismissed key batsman Babar Azam early in the innings.
The West Indies started their bowling with Gudakesh Motie’s left-arm spin, capitalizing on a pitch that offered significant turn even on the first day. However, it was Seales who truly undermined Pakistan’s top order. Opener Muhammad Hurraira and Kamran Ghulam were early casualties, with Ghulam falling to a lbw without playing a shot.
After a brief discussion with Saud, Babar Azam opted to review an out decision. Unfortunately for Pakistan, the replay confirmed the nick, and they lost a crucial review.
As the Test progresses, the spinners’ performance and strategic decisions made under challenging conditions will continue to play pivotal roles in the outcome of this series’ opening match.
