Jobaaj Stories
In a dramatic opening session on the third day of the first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies in Multan, 12 wickets fell, leaving the West Indies in deep trouble. With just 54 for 5 on the board, West Indies now need another 197 runs to beat Pakistan, who earlier posted scores of 230 and 157. Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Sajid Khan and Jomel Warrican, played key roles in dismantling the West Indies batting order, as the hosts edged closer to a commanding victory.
A Spin-Focused Collapse for Pakistan
The day began with an early setback for Pakistan, as Saud Shakeel fell on the very first ball of the day to a delivery from Jomel Warrican. The wicket left Pakistan’s batting lineup in trouble, and soon after,
Rizwan was dismissed in the next over. Despite a few resilient performances, including Kamran Ghulam’s resistance, Pakistan’s batting crumbled as Warrican continued to impress with his spin.
Warrican’s superb performance, which included a five-wicket haul, saw him dismissing key batters. Kamran Ghulam fell to a delivery that turned sharply, leading to his edge being caught. Warrican then trapped Noman Ali with an excellent piece of spin bowling, followed by the dismissal of Sajid Khan.
Pakistan’s tail collapsed as well, with Salmaan Ali Agha running out Khurram Shahzad in a direct hit. The innings concluded with Salman trying to go for a big shot but getting caught in the deep, leaving Pakistan all out for 157.
West Indies Struggle in the Chase
With 197 runs still to be scored for a win, the West Indies faced their toughest challenge in the chase. They began the innings aggressively, trying to break free from Pakistan's attacking bowling. But soon, Pakistan’s spin dominance, especially from Sajid Khan, started to take effect.
The West Indies openers, Brathwaite and Louis, tried to take on the bowlers, but Brathwaite’s slog-sweep shot found the fielder at deep midwicket, resulting in West Indies’ first loss. Sajid Khan’s spin and turn were too much for the West Indies, as he removed Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge, reducing West Indies to 37 for 4.
Final Breakthroughs
With 15 overs left before lunch, West Indies were down to 37 for 4, and Pakistan were well on their way to securing the victory. Just before the break, Noman Ali entered the attack and dismissed Justin Greaves, leaving West Indies at 54 for 5.
On a pitch where turn and bounce are unpredictable, Pakistan are in control of the game, and it looks likely they will wrap up the final innings soon. West Indies have a mountain to climb to reach the target, but Pakistan’s bowlers are expected to keep up the pressure in the second session.
Conclusion
After a day filled with twists and turns, Pakistan finds themselves in a strong position to win the first Test. With West Indies still 197 runs away from victory and only five wickets remaining, the odds are stacked against them. Pakistan’s spinners, particularly Sajid Khan and Jomel Warrican, have played key roles in putting West Indies on the back foot. With the unpredictable pitch conditions, Pakistan will be hoping to wrap up the game quickly in the second session of the day.
