Multan, January 17, 2025 – Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan steadied Pakistan’s innings with an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership after West Indies delivered an early blow on the opening day of the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium.
By stumps on a weather-affected day, Pakistan had reached 143/4 in 41.3 overs. The first session was abandoned due to dense fog, and bad light forced an early close. Despite these interruptions, Saud and Rizwan’s partnership of 97 runs for the fifth wicket put Pakistan in a comfortable position to resume their innings on the second day.
Saud Shakeel remained not out on 56 off 100 balls, featuring four boundaries, while Mohammad Rizwan was unbeaten on 51 from 87 deliveries, laced with seven fours.
Earlier, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, the decision backfired as Jayden Seales dismantled Pakistan’s top order with an impressive spell, claiming three wickets, including the prized scalp of star batter Babar Azam, who managed just eight runs.
Pakistan struggled at 46/4 in 13.3 overs before Saud and Rizwan began their recovery. The pair batted patiently, countering the West Indian bowlers who had dominated the early exchanges. By the time tea was called, Saud had scored an unbeaten 33, while Rizwan was on 18.
As the action resumes on the second day, Pakistan will hope their fifth-wicket partnership can further solidify the innings, while West Indies aim to capitalize on the early momentum created by Seales.
