Under the hazy skies of Multan, the Pakistan cricket team orchestrated a theatrical triumph, spinning their way to a 127-run victory over West Indies. It was a tale of grit, guile, and glory, as Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed turned the Multan Cricket Stadium into their stage, mesmerizing the crowd with their wizardry.
The match opened with a delayed start due to bad weather, setting an ominous tone for the visiting side. Pakistan’s first innings, buoyed by Saud Shakeel’s masterful 84 and Mohammad Rizwan’s resilient 71, laid the foundation. Their partnership of 97 runs steadied the ship after early blows, reminiscent of a phoenix rising from the ashes. West Indies’ Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican challenged with three wickets each, but the hosts mustered a respectable 230.
When West Indies batted, they found themselves ensnared in a web of spin. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali unleashed a tempest, reducing the visitors to a paltry 137 all out. Sajid’s four-wicket burst, complemented by Noman’s five-for, left the opposition in tatters. A flicker of defiance came from No.10 batter Jomel Warrican, whose unbeaten 31 provided a brief respite.
Resuming their second innings with a slender lead, Pakistan’s batsmen once again showed flashes of brilliance. Shan Masood’s 70-ball 52 illuminated the innings, while debutant Mohammad Huraira contributed a composed 29. However, Warrican spun his web tighter, claiming seven wickets and registering a ten-wicket match haul, ensuring Pakistan was bowled out for 157.
Chasing a target of 251, the West Indies batters found themselves in a nightmarish loop. Sajid Khan’s artistry, combined with Abrar Ahmed’s precision, ripped through their lineup. Sajid’s five-wicket haul, marking his fourth Test five-for, and Abrar’s four scalps sealed the fate of the visitors. Only Alick Athanaze’s valiant 55 stood out in an otherwise dismal display.
By the 36th over, the curtains fell on West Indies’ innings at 123. The final act belonged to Sajid and Abrar, their relentless pursuit of wickets reflecting the enduring but recently rediscovered legacy of spin in Pakistan cricket. As the crowd erupted in celebration, Pakistan secured a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Multan Test was a testament to the resilience and artistry of Pakistan cricket. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a narrative woven with determination and skill, where each wicket told a story and every run had its weight. The West Indies, though defeated, played their part in this enthralling drama, setting the stage for an intriguing series ahead.
The turning point came on day two when Sajid and Noman unraveled the West Indies lineup with a spellbinding spin attack, bundling them out for a mere 137. By the end of day two, Pakistan’s top-order woes persisted, but the lower order ensured a fightback led by Saud Shakeel. His exquisite placement and timing were a throwback to the days of classical Test cricket. Rizwan, playing the anchor, epitomized calm under pressure.
Day three culminated in high drama as the final innings unfolded. The target of 251 seemed within reach for the West Indies, but Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan scripted a collapse reminiscent of cricketing folklore. Abrar’s drift and turn complemented Sajid’s sharp off-breaks, leaving the opposition dazed. Athanaze’s lone resistance with 55 runs was a silver lining, yet insufficient to avert defeat.
The Multan Test showcased the duality of cricket – a game of patience and bursts of brilliance. The spinners’ dominance highlighted Pakistan’s rich tradition of spin bowling, reminiscent of iconic duos from the past. With a 1-0 lead, Pakistan now looks ahead to sealing the series, while West Indies must regroup and reignite their competitive spirit.
Scores in brief:
1st Test – Pakistan beat West Indies by 127 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
Pakistan 230 all out, 68.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 84, Mohammad Rizwan 71; Jayden Seales 3-27, Jomel Warrican 3-69, Kevin Sinclair 2-61, Gudakesh Motie 1-48) and 157 all out, 46.4 overs (Shan Masood 52, Mohammad Huraira 29, Kamran Ghulam 27; Jomel Warrican 7-32)
West Indies 137 all out, 25.2 overs (Jomel Warrican 31 not out, Jayden Seales 22, Gudakesh Motie 19; Noman Ali 5-39, Sajid Khan 4-65) and 123 all out, 36.3 overs (Alick Athanaze 55; Sajid Khan 5-50, Abrar Ahmed 4-27)
Player of the match – Sajid Khan (Pakistan)
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