Pakistan crumble for 154, WI snatch 9-run lead on dramatic 1st day

MULTAN: The first day of the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium turned into a thrilling contest as wickets tumbled in quick succession. Pakistan was bowled out for 154 in their first innings, giving West Indies a narrow 9-run lead after the visitors had managed 163 earlier.

In a dramatic day of cricket, an incredible total of 20 wickets fell, keeping fans on the edge of their seats throughout

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West Indies, having chosen to bat first, found themselves in serious trouble early on as Pakistan’s bowlers unleashed a fiery spell. Debutant right-arm pacer Kashif Ali struck in his very first over, dismissing Mikyle Louis for just 4. Sajid Khan followed up with another breakthrough, reducing the visitors to 9-2. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan then took over, ripping through West Indies’ top and middle order and leaving them reeling at 38-7 in just 12 overs.

However, a remarkable comeback from the lower-order batsmen gave West Indies some much-needed runs. Crucial partnerships pushed the total from 95 to a respectable 163. Noman Ali emerged as the standout bowler, claiming six wickets for 52 runs in a stellar performance. Sajid Khan took two wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed picked up one each.

In reply, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled to handle the pressure of West Indies’ disciplined bowling. Kemar Roach struck early, dismissing Mohammad Haris for 9 and clean-bowling Babar Azam for just 1. Captain Shan Masood, contributing 15 runs, also fell to Roach, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 22-3.

The middle-order partnership between Saud Shakeel (32) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) offered some resistance, stabilizing the innings momentarily. Rizwan, falling just one run short of his half-century, was dismissed by Jomel Warrican, who ended as the most successful bowler for West Indies with figures of 4 wickets. Gudakesh Motie also chipped in with 3 wickets, while Kemar Roach claimed 2 crucial dismissals.

Pakistan’s tail failed to make an impact, with Kashif Ali and Noman Ali falling for ducks. Sajid Khan remained unbeaten on 16 as the innings wrapped up at 154, leaving Pakistan 9 runs behind.

The Multan pitch has already proven to be a haven for bowlers, with both teams finding it difficult to navigate the spin-friendly conditions. With the game finely poised heading into Day 2, fans can expect another day of gripping cricket filled with twists, turns, and high drama.