Pakistan trampled on their authority and a a stunning 127-run victory above the West Indies in the inaugural Test at Multan, showing a solid mix and performance in all departments. The invasion of Pakistan, led by Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed it was too hot to catch West Indies as the visitors collapsed for 123, falling short of their target of 251. With this big display, Pakistan took a vital 1-0 lead, leaving the visitors with much to ponder over the next Test. in the series.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan set up Pakistan's first innings
Batting first on a dry and well-lit Multan ground, Pakistan overcame the early toss to post a total of 230, thanks to a strong partnership between them. Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. After losing four quick wickets with just 54 runs on the board, the pair braved the storm, defying the mistakes of Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican. Shakeel played very patiently, making a solid 84 that tied the innings, while Rizwan added a defiant 71.
Their 117-run stand not only revived the innings but also depleted the West Indies bowlers. However, the bottom order was thwarted by second-rate runs from the bowlers, with Seales and Warrican finishing with three wickets each. Pakistan's all-rounder, although not compelling, was contested due to difficulties and a lack of sustained cooperation from the opposition.
Noman Ali's five-wicket haul thrashes West Indies
Pakistan's spinners completely outclassed the West Indies batsmen, chasing them out for a paltry 137 and setting up a first-run stand of 93. Noman was the one to make this fall, claiming 5/39 with good line and length, using spin and bursts of above. They often picked up the fighters to test their tactics, and often whipped them and placed them in the hands of the fighters.
Sajid helped him well, taking 4/65, ensuring constant pressure from both sides. The visitors never got on track, with only Jomel Warrican showing fight with an unbeaten 31, as wickets fell in droves. Pakistan's sharp pace added to West Indies' problems, holding close and showing their superior preparation. The collapse exposed the visitors' vulnerability against spin, a challenge that Pakistan repeatedly faced.
Also READ: PAK vs WI 2025: Mohammad Rizwan falls to the next delivery following Noman Ali's unusual run on Day 2 of the first Test.
Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmad sealed victory over Jomel Warrican's heroics
Pakistan's second innings suffered an early jolt, but Shan Masood scored 52 and Mohammad HurairaA useful 29 helped them post a target of 251, though Best Warrican figures of 7/32. The left-arm spinner's spells were masterful in every detail, collapsing Pakistan's batting order and boosting West Indies' hopes. However, the visitors' batting line-up fell apart again, this time against the likes of Sajid and Abrar.
Sajid's 4/35 and Abrar's 4/27 spun the net around the batsmen, leaving them clueless. Alick Athanaze he fought bravely against the gritty 55, showing skill and determination, but his teammates failed to offer meaningful resistance. West Indies were bundled out for 123, sealing a massive 127-run victory over Pakistan. The hosts' impressive performance underlined their dominance and exposed the weaknesses of the visitors' line-up, setting the tone for the remainder.
Here's how Twitter did it:
BIGGEST TEST MATCH IN PAKISTAN. Just 177.2 overs and 40 wickets. #PakvWI
– Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 19, 2025
An off-spinner's dream run!
๐ฅ @SajidKhan244 ๐ฅ#CHOOSE #UnitedForPakistan pic.twitter.com/aVlms8Y0dw
– Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) January 19, 2025
Life ๐๐
๐ธ: PCB | #SultanSupremacy | | #CHOOSE pic.twitter.com/hL7HXNGEwS
– Multan Sultan (@MultanSultans) January 19, 2025
Abrar and Noman show West Indies in the second innings ๐
Pakistan's third Test win on the trot at home โ #CHOOSE | | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/b5Ya6eIn8x
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 19, 2025
Good luck to @TheRealPCB on a winning streak in the first Test against them @windiescricket ๐
A deserved 1-0 lead in the series๐#Zalmi #YellowStorm #CHOOSE pic.twitter.com/P5rNE8KSqM
– Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) January 19, 2025
The Rizwan/Shakeel partnership allowed Pakistan to reach the first innings, and the spinners did the rest.
In the short term the conversion has been a good strategy, in the long term it may affect the production of Pakistan's fast bowlers.#CHOOSE
โ Adam Bell ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น (@AdamKerrBell) January 19, 2025
Game Minute! Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan celebrating Sajid Khan as promised โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ#CHOOSE #not found #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/WMh0ZWpPR1
– Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 19, 2025
This is Pakistan's third consecutive Test win at home. Before the October 2024 win, he had not won a Test at home in almost four years. Therefore, the anger of the role-turners is not understandable. #CHOOSE
– Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (@ahsannagi) January 19, 2025
Good looks
Babar & Rizwan fulfill Sajid's wishes #not found #PakvWI #CatchEveryMatch #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/LgRyyRGj2E– Abdul Ghaffar ๐ต๐ฐ (@GhaffarDawnNews) January 19, 2025
Big win for Pakistan ๐ช๐#CHOOSE #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/mUjIJUi5d9 pic.twitter.com/rG9Sr4Jh2h– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 19, 2025