The opening day of the Multan Test between Pakistan and the West Indies offered a mix of drama and resilience. With fog delaying the start and early wickets putting Pakistan under pressure, a late recovery by Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan brought stability to the innings.
A Delayed Start
The first session was entirely washed out due to dense fog blanketing Multan. After an extended delay, the toss took place post-lunch, with Pakistan captain Shan Masood opting to bat first. However, the decision to bat on a pitch favoring spinners and offering early assistance to pacers quickly backfired.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s top order faltered early in the innings, with debutants Mohammad Harira, Shan Masood, Kamran Ghulam, and experienced batsman Babar Azam returning to the pavilion with just 46 runs on the board. West Indies pacer Jaden Sales was the star of the session, claiming three wickets, while spinner Gudakesh Motie chipped in with one.
Key Dismissals:
- Shan Masood (Captain): Fell early, setting a shaky tone for the innings.
- Babar Azam: Failed to capitalize on his experience, adding to Pakistan’s woes.
- Kamran Ghulam & Mohammad Harira: The debutants struggled under pressure, unable to handle the West Indian bowling attack.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan’s Rescue Act
When Pakistan looked in dire straits, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan displayed exceptional resilience. Together, they forged a crucial 97-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding Pakistan to a respectable total of 143/4 by the end of the day.
Highlights of the Partnership:
- Saud Shakeel: Played with determination, reaching his half-century and remaining unbeaten on 56 runs.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Complemented Shakeel’s efforts with a well-constructed 51 not out.
Both batsmen exhibited a cautious approach, prioritizing survival while taking calculated risks to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The Pitch and Bowling Analysis
The Multan pitch appeared to favor spinners, but it was West Indies’ pacer Jaden Sales who exploited the conditions early on. His sharp line and length troubled the Pakistani top order, while Gudakesh Motie utilized the spin-friendly surface to dismiss Kamran Ghulam.
The West Indies bowlers maintained discipline, capitalizing on Pakistan’s mistakes and applying consistent pressure throughout the shortened day.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 Expectations
With Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan set at the crease, Pakistan will aim to build a substantial first-innings total. However, the team needs to address its fragile top order, especially against an inspired West Indies bowling attack.
For the West Indies, the goal will be to break the current partnership early and capitalize on the lower-order batsmen. Their spinners are likely to play a more significant role as the pitch deteriorates further.
Key Takeaways from Day 1:
- Pakistan’s top order continues to struggle against disciplined bowling.
- Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan showcased resilience, providing a glimmer of hope for the hosts.
- West Indies’ bowlers, led by Jaden Sales, exploited the conditions effectively, keeping Pakistan in check.
Day 1 of the Multan Test was a tale of two halves. While Pakistan’s top order collapsed, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan’s partnership steadied the innings. As the match progresses, both teams have opportunities to take control. The foggy start and early wickets set the stage for a fascinating contest between bat and ball.
