On the second day of the Multan Test, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, ensuring a 93-run first-innings lead against the West Indies. The day was a rollercoaster of emotions for cricket fans, with dramatic batting collapses on both sides and a spectacular show of spin bowling from Pakistan’s Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Continue
Resuming at 143/4, Pakistan’s incomplete innings carried the hopes of a competitive total. However, the West Indies bowlers had other plans. Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled in the first session, managing only 230 runs in their first innings.
Key Performances:
- Saud Shakeel top-scored with 84 runs, displaying patience and resilience.
- Muhammad Rizwan contributed 71 runs, playing a vital knock to steady the innings briefly.
However, the remaining batsmen faltered:
- Salman Agha managed only 7 runs.
- Captain Shan Masood was dismissed for 11, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Hurairah added just 8 and 7 runs, respectively.
Late-order contributions were minimal, with Noman Ali departing for a duck and Khurram Shahza scoring 7 runs.
West Indies Bowlers Shine
- Jaden Sales and Jamil Wrekin claimed three wickets each, showcasing excellent control and accuracy.
- Kevin Sinclair took two wickets, while Gadakesh Moti chipped in with one.
West Indies’ Batting Collapse
Chasing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 230, the West Indies batting lineup crumbled spectacularly, managing only 137 runs. The Pakistani spinners dominated, with Sajid Khan and Noman Ali tearing through the opposition.
Sajid Khan’s Early Breakthroughs
Sajid Khan set the tone with a fiery spell, claiming four early wickets:
- Michael Lewis (1)
- Keacy Carty (0)
- Kieran Brathwaite (11)
- Kevin Hodge (4)
Noman Ali’s Spin Masterclass
Noman Ali followed with an equally devastating performance, taking five wickets:
- Justin Greaves (4)
- Trayvon Amlich (6)
- Alec Athens (6)
- Kelvin Sinclair (11)
- Gadakesh Moti (19)
The West Indies’ resistance ended at 137 when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Jaden Sales for 22, the highest individual score for the visitors.
Pakistan’s Bowling Prowess
The spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali delivered a mesmerizing performance:
- Sajid Khan: 4 wickets
- Noman Ali: 5 wickets
Their combined effort dismantled the West Indies lineup, leaving the visitors struggling to counter Pakistan’s spin-friendly conditions.
A Commanding Lead for Pakistan
With a 93-run first-innings lead, Pakistan holds the upper hand in the Multan Test. The bowlers’ heroics have provided the team with a significant advantage heading into the second innings.
Key Highlights of Day 2
- Pakistan’s Collapse: Despite a solid start, Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 87 runs.
- Sajid Khan’s Early Strikes: His four wickets broke the West Indies’ backbone in the opening overs.
- Noman Ali’s Five-Wicket Haul: A masterful display of spin bowling ensured a massive collapse for the visitors.
- West Indies’ Struggle: No batsman, apart from Jaden Sales, managed to cross 20 runs, highlighting their inability to handle Pakistan’s spinners.
What’s Next?
Pakistan’s lead gives them a strong foundation to dictate terms in the remaining days of the Test. With spin-friendly conditions in Multan, the team will look to extend their advantage and set a challenging target for the West Indies in the second innings.
