Pakistan delivered an impressive performance on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies in Multan. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took center stage, claiming nine wickets between them to bowl out the visitors for just 137 runs. This remarkable effort gave Pakistan a solid lead, which they extended to 202 runs by the end of the day.
Noman Ali’s brilliant spell earned him 5-39, marking his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Sajid Khan provided excellent support with figures of 4-65. The West Indies’ batting lineup crumbled after a strong start, with the team losing wickets in quick succession. Despite a valiant effort by Jomel Warrican, who remained unbeaten on 31, the visitors were dismissed in just 25.2 overs.
Pakistan’s second innings began on a cautious note, with the team ending the day at 109-3. Kamran Ghulam (9*) and Saud Shakeel (2*) were at the crease when bad light halted play 25 minutes before the scheduled close. Earlier, Shan Masood contributed a well-played 52 runs, including two sixes and two fours, to set a solid foundation for Pakistan. However, the West Indies’ left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican kept them in check, taking 2-17 and running out Masood.
The pitch in Multan has proven to be a challenging surface, offering plenty of assistance to spinners. Over the course of just five sessions, 20 wickets fell on this dry, grassless track. The West Indies’ batting struggles were highlighted by Sajid Khan’s early strikes, which removed key players like Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, and Kraigg Brathwaite in quick succession.
Pakistan’s first innings had also witnessed dramatic turns. Saud Shakeel played a crucial role, scoring 84 off 157 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan added a solid 71 runs. Their partnership of 141 runs for the fifth wicket rescued Pakistan from a precarious 46-4 on the opening day. However, after their dismissal, Pakistan faced a late collapse, losing six wickets for just 43 runs and finishing with a total of 230.
As the match heads into the third day, Pakistan holds a commanding position with a lead of over 200 runs. The spinners have been instrumental in their dominance, and they will aim to capitalize on the favorable conditions to secure victory. The West Indies, on the other hand, face a tough challenge as they look to stage a comeback on this challenging Multan pitch.
This thrilling contest has showcased the unpredictable nature of cricket, with spin bowlers ruling the game and batsmen finding it tough to settle. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next day’s action to see how the drama unfolds.
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