Multan: Pakistan secured a resounding 127-run victory over the West Indies on the third day of the first Test in Multan on Sunday, thanks to the stellar performances of spinner Sajid Khan and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Sajid Khan delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5-50 for overall figures of 9-115, while Abrar Ahmed claimed 4-27, dismissing the West Indies for a mere 123 runs. The tourists fell well short of their target of 251, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the team on X, formerly Twitter, writing:
“Spin to win! Brilliant bowling by Team Pakistan! Congratulations to our cricket team on a spectacular victory. Shabash!” He also commended PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and his team for their dedication.
The Multan pitch, offering sharp turn, played a significant role in Pakistan’s dominance. Noman Ali contributed with 1-42, while Sajid and Abrar dismantled the visitors’ lineup.
Key Performances:
- Left-handed batter Alick Athanaze stood out for the West Indies with a fighting 55, forming a 41-run sixth-wicket stand with Tevin Imlach.
- Sajid dismissed the dangerous Athanaze and other key players, while Abrar claimed the final wicket of Jomel Warrican.
Warrican, who earlier took a career-best 7-32 in Pakistan’s second innings, ended with remarkable match figures of 10-101 — the best by a West Indian bowler in Pakistan since Malcolm Marshall’s 5-33 in 1986.
Pakistan’s Batting Woes:
Despite the win, Pakistan captain Shan Masood stressed the need for batting improvements. “The spinners were clinical, and Abrar, Noman, and Sajid were great. But we need to score more runs with the lower order,” he said.
West Indies Reflect:
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite urged his side to show more confidence. “The batters didn’t perform as they should have. We need to be brave and believe in ourselves,” he remarked.
Match Highlights:
- The Test lasted less than eight sessions, with the opening day delayed due to poor visibility.
- Pakistan resumed the day at 109-3, adding only 48 runs before being dismissed for 157.
- Warrican’s disciplined bowling dismantled the lower order, taking quick wickets of Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and others.
The second Test is scheduled to begin on January 25 in Multan, where Pakistan will aim to seal the series.
