Multan, January 18, 2025: Pakistan tightened their grip on the first Test against the West Indies, ending Day 2 at 109/3 in their second innings, with a substantial 202-run lead. After a dominant bowling performance that dismantled the West Indies for just 137, Pakistan’s batsmen capitalized on their advantage despite a few setbacks.
The opening pair of Shan Masood and Mohammad Huraira gave Pakistan a solid start with a 50-run partnership. However, Jomel Warrican broke through with two quick strikes, dismissing Huraira for 29 and skipper Babar Azam cheaply for 5, putting Pakistan under brief pressure at 89/2.
Masood steadied the innings and brought up his 11th Test half-century, but a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out for 52 off 70 balls, leaving the home side at 106/3. As bad light brought play to an early close, Kamran Ghulam (4*) and Saud Shakeel (1*) were unbeaten at the crease.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers put on a clinical display, skittling the West Indies for 137 in their first innings. Sajid Khan was the star with the new ball, delivering a fiery opening spell that saw him remove Mikyle Louis (1) and Keacy Carty (0) in consecutive deliveries, reducing the visitors to 10/2.
Sajid’s dominance continued as he dismissed captain Kraigg Brathwaite (11) and Kavem Hodge (4), leaving the West Indies in tatters at 22/4.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali then took charge, ripping through the middle and lower order with a five-wicket haul. He removed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Alick Athanaze, and Kevin Sinclair, leaving the visitors struggling at 91/9.
A spirited 46-run partnership between Jomel Warrican (33*) and Jayden Seales provided some resistance, but Abrar Ahmed ended the innings by dismissing Seales for 18, wrapping up the West Indies’ innings at 137.
Pakistan had earlier posted 230 runs in their first innings, thanks to a 141-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan (71) and Saud Shakeel (84). Resuming at 143/4 on the second morning, the duo stabilized the innings after an early wobble on Day 1.
However, after Shakeel’s dismissal for 84, the West Indies’ bowlers, led by Kevin Sinclair (3/52), capitalized on the opening, dismissing the remaining batters quickly. Despite some late resistance from Sajid Khan (18), Pakistan’s innings folded at 230.
With a commanding lead and three days left, Pakistan is well-poised to dictate terms and push for victory. The West Indies, meanwhile, face an uphill task to make a comeback and avoid a massive defeat.
