West Indies End 34-Year Test Drought in Pakistan with Commanding Victory in Multan
Multan, January 27 The West Indies cricket team achieved a historic milestone by defeating Pakistan on their home turf in the Multan Test, securing a 120-run victory. This marked the end of a 34-year-long wait for a Test win in Pakistan for the Caribbean team. The triumph also leveled the two-match Test series at 1-1, with Pakistan having secured a dominant win in the first Test.
In a fascinating twist, the West Indies capitalized on Pakistan’s own strategy of preparing spin-friendly wickets, ultimately turning the tables and outplaying the hosts in their own conditions.
First Innings: A Low-Scoring Battle
West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite a challenging surface, the visitors managed to score 163 runs, with Gudakesh Motie contributing a crucial 55 runs and Jomel Warrican adding 36 runs to give the team a fighting total.
Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Nauman Ali with an exceptional 6-wicket haul, kept the pressure on. However, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered in response, collapsing for 154 runs in their first innings. While Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 49 runs, no other batsman could convert their start into a significant innings. For the West Indies, Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie starred with the ball, claiming 4 and 3 wickets, respectively.
Second Innings: West Indies Set a Challenging Target
In their second innings, the West Indies posted 244 runs, setting Pakistan a daunting target of 254 runs on a pitch offering significant assistance to spinners. Kraigg Brathwaite led from the front with a gritty 52 runs, supported by contributions from Tevin Imlach (35 runs) and Aamir Jangoo (30 runs). Pakistan’s bowlers again put in a commendable effort, with Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali picking up 4 wickets each.
Pakistan Succumb to Spin in the Final Chase
Chasing 254 runs, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again, succumbing to the West Indies’ spin attack for a mere 133 runs. Jomel Warrican was the standout performer with a 5-wicket haul, while Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 3 and 2 wickets, respectively. Pakistan’s inability to handle the spin-friendly conditions they had prepared proved to be their undoing.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Achievement: This win ended the West Indies’ 34-year drought of Test victories on Pakistan soil.
- Dominant Spin Attack: The trio of Warrican, Motie, and Sinclair demonstrated clinical efficiency, exploiting the pitch to perfection.
- Pakistan’s Strategy Backfired: Pakistan’s reliance on spin-friendly pitches, which worked in the previous matches, turned against them in this encounter.
Series Outcome
The victory in Multan ensured that the two-match Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, giving the West Indies a significant morale boost. For Pakistan, the loss serves as a reminder of the risks associated with preparing conditions overly tailored to their strengths.
Player of the Match
Jomel Warrican earned the Player of the Match honor for his match-winning performances with both bat and ball, including a 5-wicket haul in the second innings.
The West Indies’ victory in Multan stands as a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt, showcasing the thrilling unpredictability that makes Test cricket truly remarkable.
West Indies End 34-Year Test Drought in Pakistan with Commanding Victory in Multan
