Multan Mayhem: 20 Wickets Fall on Day 1 of Second Test | The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan unfolded as a gripping spectacle, with wickets tumbling relentlessly on the opening day. Both teams struggled with the bat on a turning pitch, leaving the contest intriguingly poised.
West Indies, having opted to bat first, suffered a catastrophic collapse in the first session. The visitors were reeling at 38-7 inside 12 overs, thanks to a sensational hat-trick by Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali. The 38-year-old became the first Pakistani spinner to claim a Test hat-trick, dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair. Noman’s devastating spell saw him finish with figures of 6-41.
Amid the chaos, West Indies’ lower order staged a remarkable recovery. Gudakesh Motie led the resistance with a maiden Test half-century (55), while Jomel Warrican (36 not out) and Kemar Roach (25) added crucial runs to push their side to a total of 163. Pakistan’s debutant Kashif Ali and spinner Sajid Khan supported Noman with a wicket apiece.
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Pakistan’s response with the bat mirrored the struggles of their opponents. Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach wreaked havoc early on, reducing Pakistan to 52-4. A vital 68-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Mohammad Rizwan (49) and Saud Shakeel (32) steadied the innings, but their efforts were undone by Jomel Warrican’s impressive spell.
Warrican claimed four wickets, including Shakeel, who was caught brilliantly by Roach in the deep, and Rizwan, who was stumped just shy of his half-century. Pakistan collapsed from 130-4 to 154 all out as Motie and Warrican cleaned up the tail. Kashif Ali’s debut ended in an unfortunate fashion as he was run out without facing a delivery.
Key Performers
- Noman Ali (Pakistan): Hat-trick hero with 6-41, setting the tone for the day.
- Gudakesh Motie (West Indies): Excelled with both bat and ball, scoring 55 and taking three key wickets.
- Jomel Warrican (West Indies): Turned the screws on Pakistan with a four-wicket haul.
At stumps, both teams remained neck-and-neck, with West Indies holding a slender nine-run lead. The turning pitch promises more drama on day two, as spinners continue to dominate in this thrilling encounter.
