Pakistan Spinners Dominate West Indies on Day 2 of Multan Test

Pakistan took a commanding lead over West Indies on Day 2 of the Multan Test, thanks to a 4-wicket haul by Sajid Khan and a solid batting display led by captain Shan Masood.

Pakistan's spin duo, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, wreaked havoc on the West Indies batting lineup, sharing nine wickets to dismiss the visitors for a paltry 137 on the second day of the first Test in Multan. This impressive bowling performance was followed by a solid batting display from the hosts, led by captain Shan Masood's half-century, as Pakistan built a commanding 202-run lead.

Noman Ali's five-wicket haul was the perfect complement to Sajid Khan's destructive spell, which saw the off-spinner claim four wickets in his first three overs. Khan's early onslaught left West Indies reeling at 22-4, setting the tone for a dismal batting display. Pakistan's decision to open with spinners proved to be a masterstroke, as the visitors struggled to cope with the spin-friendly conditions.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's first innings had come to a close on 230, with the hosts losing six wickets within 12 overs. West Indies spinners Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican had claimed five scalps between them, with Saud Shakeel (84) and Mohammad Rizwan (71) being the standout performers for Pakistan. However, the visitors were unable to capitalize on this momentum, as their own batting lineup crumbled under the pressure applied by Khan and Ali.

Sajid Khan's impressive spell was marked by his ability to take wickets early on, despite conceding some runs. “The ball was new... I was going for wickets early on, which is why I conceded some runs,” Khan explained in the post-match press conference. Khan's 4-wicket haul came at the cost of 65 runs in his 12 overs, but his impact on the game was immense.

The West Indies' innings was marked by a lack of resistance, with only Jomel Warrican (31*) and Jayden Seales (22) showing some fight. Warrican's unbeaten 31 was the highest score for the visitors, and he also shared an innings-highest partnership of 46 runs with Seales for the last wicket. Despite this minor resurgence, the West Indies were ultimately bowled out for a disappointing 137, leaving Pakistan in a strong position to dictate the course of the match.

Pakistan's second innings got off to a solid start, thanks to a 67-run opening partnership between Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira. The duo laid the foundation for a strong innings, but Hurraira's stay was cut short when he was trapped leg before wicket by Jomel Warrican for 29. Warrican struck again later, dismissing Babar Azam in a similar fashion, leg before wicket, for just 5 runs.

Captain Shan Masood was looking set on 52, but his indecisiveness while taking a run proved costly. Kavem Hodge's throw reached Warrican while Masood was well short of the crease, resulting in his dismissal. Pakistan ended the day on 109-3, with Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel batting, as the umpires called stumps due to bad light interrupting play.

Jomel Warrican expressed his team's goals for the remainder of the match, stating, “The aim is to restrict them to under 250, or even 275. We don't want it to get over 250 because it's a spinning surface, it will be difficult.” This target will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match, as Pakistan looks to build on their strong position.