Pakistan Bowled Out for 154, Trail West Indies by 9 in Multan Test

Sat Jan 25 2025
icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp

MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistan were dismissed for 154 in their first innings on the opening day of the second and final Test against the West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday, leaving the home side trailing by nine runs after the visitors managed 163.

The spin-friendly pitch, which had earlier aided Pakistan’s 127-run victory in the first Test at the same venue, once again played a decisive role.

Noman Ali starred with a sensational hat trick, claiming six wickets for 41 runs, while Sajid Khan (2-64), Kashif Ali (1-16), and Abrar Ahmed (1-24) contributed to bundling out the visitors.

The West Indies’ lower-order batsmen proved resilient, with Gudakesh Motie’s 55, Jomel Warrican’s 36 not out, and Kemar Roach’s 25 making significant contributions. Kavem Hodge was the only other batter to reach double figures with a score of 21.

The day began with the West Indies electing to bat first, but their top-order crumbled under the pressure of Pakistan’s spinners.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was among seven players unable to reach double digits as the visitors struggled to build partnerships. However, the 60-run stand between Hodge and Motie offered some respite, helping the Men in Maroon recover from a precarious 48-7.

Noman Ali’s hat trick in the 12th over was the highlight of the day, as he dismissed Justin Greaves (1), Tevin Imlach (0), and Kevin Sinclair (0) in consecutive deliveries. This marked the second hat trick of Noman’s career.

Pakistan’s response with the bat was lacklustre, as their innings folded for 154 despite a decent start. West Indies’ spinners Jomel Warrican (4-43) and Gudakesh Motie (3-49) dominated the proceedings, capitalizing on the conditions to skittle the hosts.

With the two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship’s third cycle, Pakistan are ranked eighth, just ahead of the ninth-placed West Indies.

Both teams made changes to their line-ups for this match. Pakistan handed a Test debut to 30-year-old pacer Kashif Ali, who replaced Khurram Shahzad.

The West Indies brought in experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach for the injured Jayden Seales, while Amir Jangoo replaced Keacy Carty to make his Test debut.

ALSO READ: Noman Ali Becomes First Pakistan Spinner to Take a Test Hat-Trick

Ahead of the match, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed determination to level the series. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, he emphasized resilience and confidence despite the challenges posed by spin-friendly conditions. “Our focus is to put up a bigger score and show our determination,” Brathwaite said.

Pakistan currently lead the series 1-0 and will look to extend their dominance in the final Test.

Pakistan Playing XI

Shan Masood (captain), Muhammad Hurraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed

West Indies Playing XI

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

Umpires: Rodney Tucker (AUS) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)

TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp