Second test Pak vs WI: WI stumble to make 163 against Noman Ali’s brilliant bowling

MULTAN: On the opening day of the second Test in Multan on Saturday, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and decided to bat against Pakistan.

West Indies appeared to be struggling against Pakistan’s bowling attack making a total of 163 runs, as Noman Ali took six wickets including a hat-trick. Gudakesh Motie made 55 runs while Jomel Warrican made 36 (not out).

At over 39, Gudakesh Motie has made a half-century while still having a loss of nine wickets.

At over 28, WI may finally reach a 100 with a loss of nine wickets.

OUT: Noman Ali has now taken five wickets, by taking out Kemar Roach who made a total of 25 runs.

At over 20, WI has made 68 runs with a loss of eight wickets.

ANOTHER OUT: Abrar Ahmed takes out Kavem Hodge thanks to the catch by Muhammad Hurraira

At over 17, WI has inched towards a 60 with a loss of eight wickets.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali has taken four, with one hat-trick while Sajid Ali and Kashif Ali have taken three in the ongoing match. He has now comfortably become first Pakistani spinner to score a hat-trick in a test match. Ali dismissed Justin Greaves, Tevyn Imlach, and Kyle Mayers in consecutive deliveries to complete his first test hat-trick. Consequently, this was the first test hat-trick at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

With over 13 going on, West Indies stands at 44 runs at the loss of seven wickets, thanks to Pakistani spinners.

Within three overs, West Indies had lost two wickets, Mikyle Louis and Amir Jangoo by debutant Kashif Ali and Sajid Khan respectively.

Pakistan, who lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test also in Multan by 127 runs, handed a debut to 30-year-old fast bowler Kashif Ali in place of Khurram Shahzad.

The West Indies were forced to leave out injured Jayden Seales, making room for experienced pacer Kemar Roach. Amir Jangoo will be playing his first Test after replacing Keacy Carty.

The series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan ranking eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.

Pakistan’s recent performance

The first Test showcased Pakistan’s dominance with both, the bat and the ball. With Shan Masood leading the team, the Men in Green are doing well. Despite a string of disappointing performances last year, including creating one of biggest upsets in the sport;s history by losing to the United States in the T20 World Cup, the Green Shirts seem to be rebounding.

They have won four of their last five matches, including matches against England and a great win against the West Indies in the first Test.

The squad features of a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, with Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq expected to anchor the batting order, while the bowling attack will be led by Abrar Ahmed and the debutant, Kashif Ali.

West Indies squad

Meanwhile, the West Indies have faced challenges in their recent outings, enduring a series of defeats. Their last five matches reflect a difficult stretch, with only one victory against Bangladesh in November 2024.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will be looking to galvanise his team and reverse their fortunes in today’s match.

Pakistan vs West Indies: Hosts seek series win against Windies

The West Indies squad includes promising players such as Joshua Da Silva and Alick Athanaze, who will need to elevate their performance to pose a serious challenge to Pakistan.