Pak vs WI: Shaheens trail by 9 runs as innings ends

MULTAN: Pakistan lost all their wickets during the second innings of the Pak vs WI second Test, trailing by 9 runs against the West Indies’ total of 163.

The opening day of the second Test in Multan on Saturday thrilled cricket enthusiasts with T20-like action, as two innings concluded on the same day.

In their first innings, West Indies had 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).

Notably, West Indies had lost 8 wickets at 54, but their tail enders surprised Pakistani bowlers and the spectators by taking the scores to 163.

On the other hand, Pakistani batting lineup stumbled badly in the first innings as not a single player could even score a fifty. The highest runs were hit by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (49). The second highest scorer was Saud Shakeel (32). He was dismissed by Jomel Warrican.

Captain Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira were sent back to the pavilion by Kemar Roach at 15 and 9 runs respectively, while Babar Azam could only contribute a single to the score before being dismissed by Motie. Kamran Ghulam also fell prey to Motie at 16 runs.

Pakistani bowlers however performed very well as left-arm spinner Noman Ali took six, with one hat-trick. Similarly, Sajid Ali bowled out 2 while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed dismissed one West Indian player each.

Ali has now comfortably become first Pakistani spinner to score a hat-trick in a test match. He 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.

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

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.