West Indies spinners secure series-levelling win in Multan Test

West Indies leveled the Test series against Pakistan with a commanding 120-run victory in the second Test at Multan on Monday, thanks to an exceptional display by their spin trio. Jomel Warrican, Kevin Sinclair, and Gudakesh Motie took all ten wickets in Pakistan’s second innings to seal a memorable win on day three.

Chasing a target of 254 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered against the relentless West Indies spinners, managing only 133 runs in 44 overs. Warrican emerged as the standout performer with figures of 5-27 in 16 overs, while Sinclair and Motie provided crucial support with 3-61 and 2-35, respectively.

Starting day three at 76-4, Pakistan faced a daunting task against a charged West Indies attack. The day began disastrously for the hosts as Saud Shakeel (13) and nightwatchman Kashif Ali fell in quick succession to Sinclair and Warrican within five balls, leaving Pakistan reeling at 76-6.

A brief resistance came from Mohammad Rizwan (25 off 62 balls) and Salman Ali Agha (15 off 33 balls), who added 39 runs off 77 deliveries for the seventh wicket. However, Warrican broke the partnership by trapping Salman leg-before in the 38th over. The remaining three wickets fell swiftly, with Pakistan collapsing in just 20 overs of play on the third day.

The spin trio’s collective effort ensured West Indies claimed their fifth Test victory on Pakistan soil. Warrican’s remarkable five-wicket haul was instrumental, while Sinclair and Motie complemented his efforts effectively. Their dominance underscored the significance of spin on the Multan pitch, which provided ample turn and bounce.

The match had been evenly poised after the first innings, with West Indies scoring 163 in 41.1 overs and Pakistan replying with 154 in 47 overs. Gudakesh Motie shone with the bat in West Indies’ innings, scoring a vital 55, while Warrican contributed an unbeaten 36. For Pakistan, Noman Ali was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6-41.

West Indies extended their lead in the second innings with a gritty 244, built on contributions from Kraigg Brathwaite (52), Tevin Imlach (35), and Kevin Sinclair (28). Sajid Khan and Noman Ali again led Pakistan’s bowling effort, picking up four wickets each.

Scores in Brief

West Indies:
163 all-out in 41.1 overs (Gudakesh Motie 55, Jomel Warrican 36 not out; Noman Ali 6-41, Sajid Khan 2-64)
244 all-out in 66.1 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 52, Tevin Imlach 35; Sajid Khan 4-76, Noman Ali 4-80)

Pakistan:
154 all-out in 47 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 49, Saud Shakeel 32; Jomel Warrican 4-43, Gudakesh Motie 3-49)
133 all-out in 44 overs (Babar Azam 31, Mohammad Rizwan 25; Jomel Warrican 5-27, Kevin Sinclair 3-61, Gudakesh Motie 2-35)

Jomel Warrican’s outstanding performances throughout the series earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, highlighting his crucial role in West Indies’ success.