Cricket

West Indies Triumph in The Spinning Web Thriller at Multan

In the heart of Multan, where the whispers of history linger in the dry winter air, cricket fans witnessed a contest that danced between the realms of brilliance and heartbreak. Over three enthralling days, the second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies unfolded as a masterpiece of spin, resilience, and drama.

It was a game where the ball spun, dipped, and leaped with a life of its own, defying the batsmen’s courage and strategy. And at its center were two protagonists: Noman Ali, whose historic hat-trick etched his name among Pakistan’s legends, and Jomel Warrican, who led the West Indies to a resounding 120-run victory with his guile and grit.

Day One: Noman’s Hat-Trick and Motie’s Resistance

The match began with West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite winning the toss and electing to bat. The Multan pitch, known for its treacherous turn and bounce, soon proved to be an ally of the bowlers. Kashif Ali, on debut for Pakistan, struck with his first over in Test cricket, trapping Mikyle Louis for just four. Sajid Khan joined the fray in the very next over, sending back Amir Jangoo for a duck.

Then came the moment of magic. Noman Ali, with the ball spinning like a sorcerer’s spell, took a historic hat-trick in the 12th over. Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair fell in rapid succession, and the visitors were reeling at 38-7. It was only the fifth Test hat-trick by a Pakistani bowler and the first by a spinner, a feat last accomplished by Naseem Shah in 2020.

Yet, just as the game seemed to slip entirely from West Indies’ grasp, Gudakesh Motie emerged from the shadows. Batting at No. 9, he crafted a defiant 55, guiding the tail with remarkable composure. His partnerships with Kemar Roach (25) and Jomel Warrican (36 not out) dragged the visitors to a fighting 163. Noman finished with 6-41, his name echoing through the Multan stands.

Pakistan’s reply began shakily, as the West Indies spinners, led by Warrican and Motie, spun a web of their own. Mohammad Rizwan (49) and Saud Shakeel (32) offered brief resistance, their 68-run stand hinting at stability, but the lower order crumbled under relentless pressure. By the end of the day, 20 wickets had fallen—16 of them to spinners—and Pakistan trailed by just nine runs after being bundled out for 154.

Day Two: A Battle of Attrition

The second day began with West Indies showing renewed intent. Captain Brathwaite anchored the innings with a well-constructed 52, a knock that combined elegance and grit. The Pakistani spinners struck regularly, with Noman and Sajid Khan sharing eight wickets between them, but the visitors’ 244-run total gave them a formidable 254-run target to defend.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Pakistan’s second innings began disastrously. Shan Masood fell leg-before to Kevin Sinclair in just the second over. Mohammad Hurraira followed soon after, attempting an audacious reverse sweep off Motie, only to be trapped in front. Kamran Ghulam’s departure left the hosts wobbling at 5-3.

When Babar Azam walked out to bat, a sense of calm seemed to return. His 31 was a defiant effort against the relentless spin, but just before stumps, he too succumbed, caught at forward short-leg off Sinclair’s bowling. Pakistan ended the day at 76-4, needing 178 more runs with six wickets in hand. The odds seemed daunting, but hope lingered in the form of Saud Shakeel and nightwatchman Kashif Ali.

Day Three: Warrican’s Masterclass

The final day began with Pakistan fans clutching onto hope, but Jomel Warrican had other plans. Like a poet weaving verses, Warrican spun a tale of despair for Pakistan. He struck early, removing Saud Shakeel and Kashif Ali in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 76-6.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to stage a rescue act with a 39-run stand, but their resistance was brief. Rizwan’s departure, caught plumb in front by Warrican, signaled the beginning of the end. Warrican ran through the tail with precision, his figures of 5-27 a testament to his mastery of the craft. Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie played their parts to perfection, sharing five wickets between them as Pakistan were bowled out for 133.

The West Indies’ celebration was one of jubilation and relief. Their 120-run victory not only leveled the series but also served as a reminder of their resilience and the enduring magic of spin bowling.

A Tale to Remember

This match, much like the best cricketing encounters, was a symphony of twists and turns. Noman Ali’s hat-trick will forever shine in Pakistan’s cricketing lore, a moment of brilliance that transcended the match’s outcome. For the West Indies, Warrican’s artistry and Motie’s all-round heroics highlighted their collective spirit.

As the dust settles in Multan, this game will be remembered not just for its statistics, but for the drama, the passion, and the sheer unpredictability that makes Test cricket the ultimate theater of sport.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.