Multan (Web Desk): Pakistan found themselves on the back foot early in the opening Test against the West Indies, slipping to 46-4 after a challenging start on a tricky Multan pitch.
The conditions were far from ideal, with fog and poor visibility delaying the start of the match and wiping out the first session.
When play finally began, the West Indies made the most of the damp conditions, with Jayden Seales taking 3 wickets for just 21 runs, ripping through the top order.
Muhammad Hurraira’s debut came to a swift end as Seales got him caught behind for six. Shortly after, Shan Masood followed for 11, nicking a delivery from Gudakesh Motie to the keeper. Kamran Ghulam was dismissed for five by a well-directed Seales delivery that trapped him leg before, and Babar Azam’s ongoing struggles in home conditions continued as he edged Seales to the keeper for eight.
However, just when things seemed to be slipping further, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan stepped up with a composed partnership. The pair weathered the storm expertly, combining for a crucial 97-run stand to guide Pakistan to 143-4 by stumps. Shakeel ended the day on 56 not out, his ninth half-century in Test cricket, while Rizwan, playing with calm determination, was unbeaten on 51, marking his 11th half-century.
The West Indies, who also started with three spinners, couldn’t break the partnership despite several attempts, and the left-right batting combination of Shakeel and Rizwan showed admirable control.
Both players took their time, picking off boundaries as they negotiated the West Indian spinners, and while the pitch is expected to deteriorate, making spin even more influential in the coming days, Pakistan's recovery gives them a solid foundation.
The match is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle, with both teams fighting for points.
Pakistan, currently in eighth place, will look to build on this recovery, while the West Indies, ranked ninth, will need to capitalize on any further mistakes. The remainder of the series promises to be a test of patience and skill as both teams adjust to the tough conditions.
