The West Indies bowling attack demonstrated skillful precision on Saturday, dismissing Pakistan for 230 runs on day two of the opening Test at Multan Cricket Stadium, despite resolute half-centuries from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan, resuming at 143-4 after Friday’s fog-shortened session, initially showed promise through a 141-run partnership between vice-captain Shakeel and Rizwan. However, the introduction of off-spinner Kevin Sinclair after the drinks break triggered a dramatic collapse.
Shakeel’s innings of 84, crafted from 157 deliveries, ended at 187-5, initiating a middle-order crumble. Rizwan contributed 71 runs from 133 balls before falling to Sinclair, who finished with figures of 2 for undisclosed.
The Caribbean bowlers maintained consistent pressure, with Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican each claiming three wickets. Gudakesh Motie added one wicket to complete the bowling effort.
The day’s proceedings marked a continuation of Pakistan’s struggles from Friday, when captain Shan Masood’s decision to bat first backfired. Seales had exploited early conditions to reduce the hosts to 46-4, including the prized wicket of Babar Azam for eight.
A lower-order partnership of 25 runs between Sajid Khan and Khurram Shahzad briefly steadied the innings before both fell, with Khan scoring 18 and Shahzad contributing seven.
The match represents a serious test for both teams, with Pakistan fielding a mix of experienced players and newcomers under Masood’s leadership, while the West Indies seek to capitalize on their strong bowling performance as the match progresses.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves , Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.