Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series against the West Indies, securing a commanding 127-run victory in the first Test at Multan on Sunday. Spinner Sajid Khan delivered a remarkable performance, claiming a nine-wicket haul across both innings to lead his team to victory with two days to spare.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, faced significant early trouble as West Indies bowlers Gudakesh Motie (1/48) and Jayden Seales (3/27) reduced them to 46/4. However, a resilient fifth-wicket partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide for the home side. Shakeel played a composed knock of 84 runs off 157 balls, including six boundaries, while Rizwan contributed a steady 71 off 133 deliveries with nine fours. Their 141-run stand brought stability to the innings before Jomel Warrican (3/69) cleaned up the lower order, dismissing Pakistan for 230 runs in 68.5 overs.
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The West Indies struggled in their response as Pakistani spinners Sajid Khan (4/65), Noman Ali (5/39), and Abrar Ahmed (1/6) completely dismantled their batting lineup. The visitors crumbled to 66/8 before a spirited fightback from the lower order provided some resistance. Jomel Warrican scored a quick 31 off 24 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Jayden Seales smashed 22 off just 13 deliveries with three sixes. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 19 off 25 balls. Despite their efforts, the West Indies were bowled out for 137, giving Pakistan a crucial 93-run first-innings lead.
Pakistan’s second innings began with a solid 67-run opening partnership between Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira (29 off 58 balls, 3 fours). Masood led the charge with a composed 52 off 70 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes), but the rest of the batting faltered against a sensational spell by Jomel Warrican.
Warrican’s career-best figures of 7/32 skittled Pakistan out for 157, setting the West Indies a target of 251 runs to win.
Chasing 251, the West Indies showed glimpses of hope with Alick Athanaze scoring a fighting 55 off 68 balls (4 fours). However, Sajid Khan (5/50) and Abrar Ahmed (4/27) combined to dismantle the batting lineup. The visitors were bowled out for 123 in just 36.3 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 127-run win.
Key performances played a significant role in shaping the match’s outcome. Sajid Khan was the standout performer, claiming an extraordinary nine wickets in the game, including 5/50 in the second innings, which proved crucial for Pakistan’s victory. Jomel Warrican impressed with figures of 7/32 in Pakistan’s second innings, while Saud Shakeel’s resilient 84 in the first innings provided stability to Pakistan’s batting lineup. For the West Indies, Alick Athanaze fought hard with a well-made 55 in the second innings.
Sajid Khan’s remarkable contribution earned him the Player of the Match award, with his match-winning bowling performance being the decisive factor in Pakistan’s 127-run triumph.
The special man of the match is Rizwan and Shakeel, and Shan in the second innings: Sajid Khan
Reflecting on his performance, Sajid credited his teammates for their contributions. “The special man of the match is Rizwan and Shakeel, and Shan in the second innings. The team is playing together, and it is great,” Sajid said.
Sajid, along with fellow spinners Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed, capitalized on the spin-friendly conditions to take all 20 West Indies wickets, setting a remarkable record for Pakistan’s spinners. Sajid discussed his approach to bowling on the turning track, saying, “The wicket had a lot of turn and bounce. In the second innings, I bowled a little slower and focused on not leaking runs.” He also praised Noman Ali for sharing valuable insights during the match. “He is very experienced. We worked together to ensure we didn’t give away runs in the second innings,” Sajid added.
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