Noman Ali’s 4-Wicket Haul Keeps Pakistan in Game
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Noman Ali, staged a remarkable fightback on Day 2 of the second Test in Multan, reducing the West Indies to 129/5 by lunch.
The visitors now hold a narrow lead of 138 runs, with the match hanging in the balance.
Noman Ali was the star performer, claiming four wickets in a skillful and disciplined spell. He set the tone early in the day by dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who had looked dangerous with a fluent 52.
Ali’s delivery spun sharply, outfoxing Brathwaite, who was stumped brilliantly by Mohammad Rizwan.
The left-arm spinner continued his dominance by removing Mikyle Louis (7) and Kavem Hodge (15), both falling to soft dismissals. Hodge’s attempt to charge down the wicket ended with another sharp stumping by Rizwan, while Louis misjudged the line and was caught at short extra cover.
Sajid Khan added to the pressure by dismissing Amir Jangoo for 30, while Ali struck again just before lunch, trapping Alick Athanaze leg-before for a crucial breakthrough.
At 129/5, the West Indies were in trouble, with Justin Greaves (5*) holding the fort as the tail loomed.
Day 1 Highlights: Dramatic 20-Wicket Collapse
Day 1 saw an extraordinary 20-wicket collapse as both teams struggled on a challenging Multan pitch. The West Indies were bowled out for 163 in their first innings, with Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican spinning a web around Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s response was equally shaky, slipping to 51/4 after early breakthroughs by Kemar Roach and Motie. Babar Azam, Shan Masood, and Kamran Ghulam failed to make an impact.
A vital 68-run partnership between Saud Shakeel (32) and Mohammad Rizwan (45*) offered some resistance, but Shakeel’s dismissal, courtesy of a stunning catch by Roach, triggered another collapse. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 35 runs, folding for 154 and conceding a slender nine-run lead.
Warrican (4-43) and Motie (3-49) were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s batting order, setting the stage for an intense contest.
With both teams battling hard, the second Test in Multan promises to deliver more twists as the match progresses.
