Multan – Spin maestros Noman Ali and Sajid Khan orchestrated a spectacular performance to place Pakistan in a commanding position against the West Indies on the second day of the opening Test on Saturday.
The spin duo accounted for nine wickets, dismantling the West Indies for a mere 137 runs in response to Pakistan’s first innings total of 230. By stumps, Pakistan stretched their lead to 202, reaching 109-3 in their second innings. Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel were unbeaten on nine and two, respectively, when bad light curtailed play 25 minutes early.
West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican (2-17) shone briefly, dismissing Muhammad Hurraira (29) and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam (5). Warrican also ran out Shan Masood (52), who anchored the innings with two sixes and two fours in his solid knock.
Earlier, Noman Ali bagged an impressive 5-39—his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests—while Sajid Khan claimed 4-65, reducing the visitors to 137 in just 25.2 overs. West Indies’ tailenders Jomel Warrican (31*), Gudakesh Motie (19), and Jayden Seales (22) offered late resistance, with Seales smashing three sixes before falling to Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan, resuming at 143-4, saw their first innings collapse to 230 after losing six wickets for 43 runs. Saud Shakeel’s gritty 84 and Mohammad Rizwan’s fluent 71 salvaged the innings with a vital 141-run fifth-wicket stand. Shakeel’s dismissal to Kevin Sinclair triggered the slide, with Rizwan also falling to Sinclair on review.
Despite poor visibility disrupting play on both days, the dry, grassless pitch in Multan has proven a haven for spinners, yielding 20 wickets in just five sessions. Noman and Sajid, who excelled in Pakistan’s 2-1 series win against England last year, once again showcased their dominance.
With a 202-run lead and two days to play, Pakistan looks poised for victory, leaving the West Indies with an uphill battle.
