West Indies Establish First-Innings Lead After Dismissing Pakistan for 154.

The first day of the second Test match between the West Indies and Pakistan in Multan witnessed a dramatic ebb and flow, with spinners dominating the proceedings and the West Indies ultimately securing a slender nine-run lead. The day began with the West Indies batting, but their innings quickly unravelled as Pakistan’s spinners, led by the debutant Noman Ali, wreaked havoc. Noman etched his name in Pakistan’s cricketing history by becoming the first spinner to claim a Test hat-trick, dismantling the West Indies middle-order in a breathtaking spell. This dramatic collapse left the West Indies reeling at 38-7, seemingly destined for a paltry total.

However, the West Indies’ tail wagged defiantly, echoing their performance from the previous Test. Gudakesh Motie, primarily known for his spin bowling, showcased his batting prowess with a crucial 55 runs. Supported by Jomel Warrican’s brisk 36, the pair stitched together vital partnerships that rescued the West Indies from the brink of disaster. Their resilient batting display not only frustrated the Pakistani bowlers but also propelled the West Indies to a respectable first-innings total of 163, exceeding expectations after the top-order collapse. This lower-order resurgence proved to be a recurring theme for the West Indies, highlighting the depth and unexpected batting talent within their lineup.

In response, Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note. Kemar Roach, the experienced West Indies fast bowler, struck early blows, removing both Pakistani openers cheaply. This early breakthrough injected renewed confidence into the West Indies camp. Motie, fresh from his batting heroics, continued to make an impact, this time with the ball. He accounted for the prized wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who was dismissed for a mere single run. Motie’s double strike, coupled with Warrican’s dismissal of Kamran Ghulam, left Pakistan tottering at 51-4, placing the West Indies firmly in the driver’s seat.

Although Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to rebuild the Pakistan innings with a promising partnership, their efforts were ultimately thwarted by Warrican’s skillful spin bowling. Warrican’s spell proved decisive, as he dismissed both Shakeel and Rizwan, extinguishing Pakistan’s hopes of a substantial recovery. Rizwan, who was looking well-set, was dismissed agonizingly close to a half-century, further adding to Pakistan’s woes. The lower order offered little resistance, and Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 154, conceding a narrow nine-run lead to the West Indies.

The first day’s play underscored the significant role played by spin bowling on a pitch that offered considerable assistance to the spinners. Noman Ali’s historic hat-trick was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, but his efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the West Indies’ resilient batting performance and their subsequent bowling display. Motie emerged as the standout performer for the West Indies, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. His half-century rescued the West Indies from a precarious position, and his crucial wickets, including that of Babar Azam, put immense pressure on the Pakistan batting lineup.

The narrow lead achieved by the West Indies sets the stage for an intriguing contest on the remaining days of the Test match. The pitch is expected to deteriorate further, making spin bowling even more potent. The ability of both teams to navigate the challenges posed by the spin-friendly conditions will ultimately determine the outcome of the match. The West Indies will be aiming to build on their slender lead and put pressure on Pakistan, while the hosts will be looking to bounce back strongly and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way. The fluctuating fortunes of both teams on the opening day promise an enthralling contest as the match progresses.