The world of crickets witnessed a momentous event Pakistan played West Indies for the Test series after a break of 18 years. The first test match started at the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17, 2025, both teams are eager to prove their mettle. Pakistan, coming on the offensive list South Africain order to take advantage of their homes. Meanwhile, the West Indies tried to improve their position World Test Championshiphaving drawn against it Bangladesh.
Delayed onset and early complications
The day got off to a bad start with bad weather causing delays. Fog covered the stadium, causing delays and frustration for players and fans alike. After several interruptions, the drama began, but Pakistan's batting line-up soon found itself in trouble against West Indies' formidable attack.
Pakistan opted to bat first but quickly failed under pressure. The inaugural partnership was short-lived, and Muhammad Huraira falling into a special trap Jayden Seales for only six rounds. Seales' contribution was a testament to his talent, setting the tone for the day. He continued to undermine Pakistan's batting order, eroding local sentiments Kamran Ghulam and star batter Abara Azam within the first 14 overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 46 for 4.
Also READ: PAK vs WI: Fans stomp Babar Azam for protesting dismissal on Day 1 of first Test
Jayden Seales dominates on Day 1
Seales was the man of the day, taking three wickets for just 21 runs in his ten overs. His pace and accuracy helped dismantle Pakistan's top order. The 22-year-old footballer showed incredible control and brutality, reminiscent of legends like. Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. His ability to make moves off the pitch can trouble even the most seasoned strikers.
Seales' performance was crucial in putting Pakistan on the back foot early in their innings. His wickets not only showed his potential but also showed his growing reputation as one of the West Indies' fastest bowlers. As he celebrated each wicket with palpable enthusiasm, it was clear that he was determined to make this series one to remember.
Courage from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan
Although it was difficult at first, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan showing admirable endurance. Shakeel anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 runs from 100 balls, while Rizwan supported him well with a solid 51 runs from 80 balls. Their partnership became a beacon of hope for Pakistan as they navigated difficult situations and played the ball consistently.
Both the batsmen focused on building their innings in an orderly fashion, rotating the strike and getting boundaries whenever possible. Their efforts were crucial in setting up Pakistan's innings after a poor start, which saw them reach 143 runs for four wickets at stumps.
Bad lighting can play on Day 1
As the day wore on, bad light again disrupted play, resulting in us being bundled out at 143 for four after 41 overs had been bowled. The pace of the matches was greatly affected by the weather, which not only delayed the start but also reduced play in the afternoon.
Here's how Twitter did it:
Multan Stadium right now!#CHOOSE pic.twitter.com/6KXpDWNwcz
– Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) January 17, 2025
Day 1, Stumps
An excellent partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan recover from 46/4 to 143/4 🏏#cricket #CHOOSE #MohammadRizwan #saudshakeel #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/xtcRAzx5Jx
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 17, 2025
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, but Jayden Seales almost made them regret the decision with a brilliant opening, taking three quick wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Babar Azam.
– Cricket Pakistan (@crickethub_pk) January 17, 2025
Jayden Seales' first post. How magical are those numbers?#Cricket | | #WIvsPAK | | #TeamWindies | | #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/wTBMsojASF
– gameyaad (@gameyaad) January 17, 2025
Jayden Seales, the sensation from WI, will strike early as Pakistan lose their first 6 overs in Multan. With a delayed start due to fog, will we witness another exciting event in Multan? #CHOOSE #RedBallRumble #MenInMaroon #Cricket #Multani pic.twitter.com/NR4GvUglwX
– lightning speed (@lightningspeedk) January 17, 2025
Tall, quick, accurate, steady, heavy body shape, bad shape & cool celebration.
Jayden Seales means athletic beauty pic.twitter.com/NybL1i1Ddx
– P𝕏 (@LBW_16) January 17, 2025
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan are leading Pakistan's rebuilding efforts after the weather disruption on the first day in Multan.#WTC25 | | #CHOOSE 📝:https://t.co/z2tbKnlfpf pic.twitter.com/ofu69lrb05
– ICC (@ICC) January 17, 2025
The number of times Saud Shakeel has saved Pakistan and got us out of trouble as his exposure is insane. He deserves praise and recognition now. A great player. pic.twitter.com/9d0VqAoJST
– c (@gayomarlic) January 17, 2025
Another batting 50 from Saud Shakeel. What a player 👏❤️ pic.twitter.com/JiDxH2PKNq
– Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) January 17, 2025
TEST 9 TEN 5 FOR SAUD.
– Saud Shakeel's best knock on such a difficult track – came on 31/3 and broke his fifty. pic.twitter.com/bO35AVhzmv
– 𝙈𝚊𝚊𝚊𝚊𝚝 (@CallMeSheri1) January 17, 2025