West Indies Collapse for 163, Pakistan Stumble at 25/3

News Desk

Islamabad: The second Test between Pakistan and West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium witnessed a dramatic opening day as both teams struggled with the bat. West Indies were bundled out for 163 in just 42 overs, but Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 25/3 in response.

Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach led West Indies’ charge with the ball, dismantling Pakistan’s top order after the visitors were restricted by a sensational spell from Pakistan’s Noman Ali earlier in the day.

Motie&Roach Strike Early for WI

Motie struck first, dismissing Kamran Ghulam for 16 runs. Ghulam pushed at a delivery angled around off-stump, only to edge it to Alick Athanaze at bat-pad. Roach then joined the attack, sending Shan Masood back for 15. Masood, beaten by sharp seam movement, saw his stumps rattled while attempting a front-foot drive.

Motie continued his fine form, dismissing Pakistan captain Babar Azam for just 1. A flighted delivery darted in and stayed low, catching Azam off-guard as he missed a cut shot. Roach struck again, trapping Muhammad Hurraira for 9. The ball angled in sharply, resulting in an LBW decision confirmed by DRS.

Ali’s Heroics Overshadow WI Resistance

Earlier, West Indies collapsed under the brilliance of left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed six wickets, including a spectacular hat-trick. Ali dismissed Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair in consecutive deliveries, using clever variations in flight and line to leave the West Indies batters in disarray.

Ali’s spell began with Greaves edging a turning delivery to gully, followed by Imlach being trapped LBW by a fuller ball. Sinclair nicked a flighted delivery to the slip cordon, completing Ali’s hat-trick.

Despite their struggles, the West Indies lower order provided some resistance. Motie and Jomel Warrican added 68 runs for the ninth wicket, pushing their total past 150 before Ali dismissed Motie for a valiant 55 off 87 balls.

Sajid Khan supported Ali with two wickets, while debutant Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed took a wicket each. Kashif struck in his opening over to remove Mikyle Louis, while Sajid trapped Amir Jangoo LBW for a duck on debut.

West Indies’ Early Setbacks

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge failed to build a solid foundation. Brathwaite was dismissed LBW to Ali after a failed review, leaving the visitors at 17/2.

Pakistan’s Batting Woes

With a modest target to chase, Pakistan’s top order faltered against disciplined bowling from Motie and Roach. The day ended with Pakistan under pressure at 25/3, setting up an intriguing contest on day two.

As the Multan pitch continues to offer turn and seam movement, both teams face a stern test in their bid to gain the upper hand in this pivotal match.