Spin Rules Day 1 in Multan: West Indies Lead Pakistan by Nine Runs
The first day of the second Test between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan proved head coach Aaqib Javed's spin-friendly wicket strategy was spot on. In a day dominated by spinners, a remarkable 20 wickets fell, with both teams separated by just nine runs.
Noman Ali shone with a historic hat-trick, the first by a Pakistani spinner in Tests, helping Pakistan dismiss West Indies for 163 in the morning session. At one stage, the visitors were reeling at 54 for 8, but a resilient lower-order fightback, led by Gudakesh Motie's 55 and Jomel Warrican's unbeaten 36, ensured a respectable total.
In response, Pakistan's batters struggled against West Indies’ spinners. Warrican (4-43) and Motie (3-49) spun a web around the hosts, reducing them to 154. Mohammad Rizwan's composed 49 provided the only significant resistance.
West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first but faced early trouble when Pakistan's bowlers struck in quick succession. Noman Ali's hat-trick dismantled the middle order, but the West Indies tail showed grit, with Motie and Warrican adding a crucial 68-run partnership for the final wicket.
Pakistan’s reply started poorly as Kemar Roach and the spinners made inroads. Despite partnerships from Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, a sharp catch by Roach and Warrican's spin brilliance swung the momentum back to the visitors.
At stumps, West Indies held a narrow nine-run lead, setting the stage for an intriguing second day on a pitch tailor-made for spin.
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