- AFP
- 12 Minutes ago
Rizwan and Shakeel begin rebuild after early collapse
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- Web Desk
- Jan 17, 2025
MULTAN: After a long delay due to fog, the first contest of the two match series between Pakistan and the West Indies began on Friday. It marks the first time in 18 years that The Windies have played a test in Pakistan.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the men in green were tormented by some fantastic bowling from Jayden Seales. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel gave the Shaheens some hope late in the day.
Pakistan’s Crumble Early
Skipper Shan Masood and debutant Muhammad Hurraira opened for Pakistan, but neither lasted long on the field. Hurraira’s innings came to a premature end in the sixth over after he was caught behind by another debutant, Tevin Imlach, on a delivery from Jayden Seales. The Pakistani opener only managed to make six runs.
Masood followed him not long after in similar fashion, but this time it was Gukadesh Motie who got his first wicket of the game. The skipper didn’t do much better than his partner, scoring 11 runs before he left the field.
Also read: Pakistan vs West Indies: Debutants to watch
Seales got his second wicket by dismissing Kamran Ghulam in the 10th over with an lbw. Ghulam didn’t attempt a shot as the delivery hit him high on the back pad. Babar Azam was the next to go in the 14th over, and it was Seales again, picking up his third wicket of the match on a delivery that brushed against the edge of Babar’s bat before Imlach took his third catch of the day.
Rizwan and Shakeel Recover
A 97-run partnership, courtesy of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel gave Pakistan some life after the men in green lost four in quick succession. Rizwan made the 11th half century of his test career, while Shakeel made his ninth.
The day came to an early close due to bad light after fog had already forced a late start. Despite Seales dominance early, Rizwan and Shakeel have helped Pakistan foster some stability in their first innings.
Pakistan end day one with a score of 143 for 4.
Also read: Pakistan, West Indies seek to improve from Test Championship lows