Multan (Web Desk): Pakistan's batting line-up faltered on the second day of the second Test against the West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium, ending their innings on just 154, leaving them nine runs behind the visitors.
Despite a brilliant effort from their spinners, spearheaded by Noman Ali's six-wicket haul, the home side couldn't build on their strong start with the ball.
Only Mohammad Rizwan, with a well-fought 49, and Saud Shakeel, who made 32, offered any resistance.
Both were dismissed by Jomel Warrican, who was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with four wickets. Gudakesh Motie also contributed with three wickets, and Kemar Roach chipped in with two.
Earlier, the West Indies were dismissed for a modest total, with the tailenders providing much of the resistance.
Motie top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 55, while Warrican’s 36 and Roach’s 25 added crucial runs.
Despite the lower-order efforts, West Indies' batting was largely undone by Pakistan’s spinners, with Noman Ali’s hat-trick in the 12th over proving to be a game-changing moment. He dismissed three West Indies batters for ducks in quick succession, including Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair.
Pakistan’s spinners controlled the game from the start, with Noman and Sajid Khan taking key wickets, while the debutant Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed added support. The pitch, which had assisted Pakistan in the first Test, continued to favor the spinners, making it difficult for both sides to gain any momentum.
Although Pakistan hold a 1-0 lead in the series after their win in the first Test, the game is delicately poised, with the visitors still in the hunt.
West Indies’ captain Kraigg Brathwaite had expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back, and they’ll be hoping their bowlers can continue to put pressure on Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up.
The series is a crucial part of the World Test Championship, with both teams sitting near the bottom of the standings, making this encounter even more significant.
Teams
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Muhammad Hurraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kashif Ali, Abrar Ahmed
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican
