Rizwan, Saud Lead Pakistan’s Comeback After Early Wickets

The duo saves Pakistan with a 97-run partnership

Fri Jan 17 2025
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s middle-order batters, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, helped the team recover after a poor start, scoring unbeaten half-centuries on the first day of the Test against the West Indies.

After being down to 46-4, they ended the day at 143-4 when bad light stopped play at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Shakeel scored 56, and Rizwan hit 51 when the day was cut short at stumps, day 1.

Shakeel, Rizwan Lead Pakistan’s Recovery Against West Indies
Rizwan’s counter-attack put WI spinners under the pump —Photo by AFP

The start of the match was delayed due to thick fog, but the coin toss was eventually held after lunch in sunny weather. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, but it didn’t go well at first as the West Indies bowlers took four quick wickets, leaving Pakistan at 46 runs.

Debutant Mohammad Huraira was the first to go for 6, followed by captain Shan Masood for 11, out to Gudakesh Motie. Jayden Seales then dismissed Kamran Ghulam for 5 and Babar Azam for 8, putting Pakistan in further trouble.

ALSO READ: Motie and Seales Strike Early After Pakistan Bat First

However, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan worked together to stabilize the innings, bringing the score to 86-4 by Tea. They continued to build their partnership and reached their half-centuries before the day ended early.

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.

West Indies Playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.

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