West Indies gave a strong retort to Pakistan and folded them for a lowly 154 after their batting fiasco on Day 1 of the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Pakistan batters succumbed to Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie's spin wizardry as they failed to gain a lead over the visitors.
West Indies give it back to Pakistan
Earlier in the day, Pakistan's spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan had wreaked havoc on the West Indies batting order, dismissing them for a low score. However, the home side's batting performance fell short of expectations.
Only five Pakistani batters reached double figures. Mohammad Rizwan (49) and Saud Shakeel (32) showed some resistance, but both fell victim to Jomel Warrican. The West Indian spinner claimed four wickets, while Gudakesh Motie dismissed three Pakistani batters. Kemar Roach (2/15) also contributed with two wickets, leaving Pakistan nine runs short of surpassing the West Indies' first innings total. Jomel Warrican (4/43) and Gudakesh Motie (3/49) combined to take seven wickets for Windies.
Noman Ali had earlier spearheaded Pakistan's bowling attack, claiming six wickets for 41 runs. Sajid Khan provided crucial support with two wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket each.
The West Indies' tailenders proved to be their most impactful batters, with Gudakesh Motie scoring 55 runs, Jomel Warrican contributing 36 not out, and Kemar Roach adding 25. Apart from these contributions, only Kavem Hodge managed to reach double figures with 21 runs.
The day commenced with the West Indies electing to bat first on a spin-friendly pitch, similar to the conditions that favored Pakistan in the previous Test.
Pakistan's spinners, Noman, Sajid, and Abrar, exerted pressure on the West Indies batting lineup. Seven West Indian players, including captain Kraigg Brathwaite, failed to reach double figures.
The partnership between Hodge and Motie provided some respite for the West Indies, adding crucial runs to their total.
Noman Ali achieved a remarkable feat, claiming a hat-trick in the 12th over by dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair, all for zero runs.
Pakistan entered the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, having secured a 127-run victory in the first Test, also played in Multan. To bolster their pace attack, Pakistan handed a Test debut to 30-year-old fast bowler Kashif, replacing Khurram Shahzad. The West Indies were forced to make changes to their lineup. Injured pacer Jayden Seales was replaced by experienced bowler Kemar Roach, while Amir Jangoo earned his Test debut, replacing Keacy Carty.