MULTAN, Pakistan — Off-spinner Sajid Khan was the standout performer in Pakistan’s decisive 127-run victory over the West Indies during the first test held on Sunday. Khan achieved a remarkable match total of nine wickets, which significantly contributed to Pakistan’s strength in turning conditions.
In the second innings, the West Indies, chasing a target of 251 runs, collapsed and were bowled out for just 123. Khan initially took four wickets in the first innings and followed it up with a stellar 5 for 50 in the second innings. Alick Athanaze, making only his twelfth test appearance, was the lone highlight for the tourists, scoring 55 runs off 68 balls before succumbing to Khan, marking his fifth wicket of the innings. The West Indies’ resistance crumbled in the afternoon session on Day 3, as they encountered struggles against the Pakistani spinners.
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of claiming 20 wickets to secure victories. He noted the initial uncertainty regarding how the pitch would behave but praised his spinners for demonstrating clinical precision throughout the match. Khan again showcased his skill with the new ball in the second innings, quickly dismantling the top order and reducing the West Indies to a precarious 54-5 within the first session. In this session, spinners took 11 of the 12 wickets.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed played a crucial supporting role, achieving figures of 4-27, which included back-to-back scalps from Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie, both of whom fell without scoring and edged catches to slips. The West Indies were left reeling as they lost their final four wickets without adding to their score.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged his team’s dismal batting performance, stressing the need for a more courageous approach on such pitch conditions. He urged his players to maintain confidence in their defense while emphasizing the importance of positive play in both batting and bowling if they hope to compete effectively.
In a captivating morning session lasting two and a half hours, Jomel Warrican delivered an exceptional performance for the West Indies, taking a personal best of 7 for 32 as he exploited the spin-friendly wicket. Pakistan also experienced challenges, getting bowled out for 157 runs in their second innings after resuming at 109-3, with Warrican playing a crucial role in nearly every dismissal.
Following West Indies’ concession of a 93-run lead after their first innings total of 137, Pakistan had established a strong lead of 250 runs. Khan continued to torment the West Indies line-up, dismissing Brathwaite, Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, and Kavem Hodge for the second time in the match as the team’s plans to counterattack the off-spinner fell flat.
Khan commented positively on the team dynamic and the challenging nature of the pitch, noting that adjustments in his bowling strategy contributed to his success. The West Indies’ demise began with Brathwaite’s ambitious shot to mid-wicket, while Carty’s attempt to sweep resulted in a catch behind. Hodge and Louis fell victim to Khan’s sharp-turning off-breaks.
Athanaze briefly delayed the inevitable by forming a 41-run partnership with debutant Tevin Imlach before Ahmed’s bowling hastened the end of West Indies’ resistance. Earlier, Warrican provided a glimmer of hope by dismissing Pakistan’s most competent spinner, Saud Shakeel, right at the start of the day. Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam both fell victim to the difficult bounce of the pitch, and Warrican showcased his outstanding fielding skills to run out Khurram Shahzad.
Masood acknowledged the difficulties his batters faced in such conditions while emphasizing the need for continuous improvement, even after securing a victory. Despite Pakistan’s recent successes at home, both teams find themselves positioned at the lower end of the World Test Championship standings, underscoring the challenges faced over the past year. With Australia and South Africa already clinching their spots for the WTC final, the backdrop for the upcoming second test encounter remains significant.
The second test match, which marks the conclusion of the current World Test Championship cycle for both teams, is scheduled to commence at the same venue on Friday.
