MULTAN: Pakistani spinners led by Noman Ali restricted West Indies at 163 within opening day’s first session on Saturday in the final Test match here at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Noman had a lion’s share as he took six wickets for 41 runs, Sajid Khan dismissed 2 for 64, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed took one wicket apiece for 16 and 24, respectively.
The visitors’ tailenders proved to be the most destructive as Gudakesh Motie scored 55, unbeaten Jomel Warrican 36 and Kemar Roach 25. Apart from these, only Kavem Hodge (21) reached the double-figure score.
The day began with the visiting side choosing to bat first on a spin-friendly pitch, where Pakistan secured victory in the previous Test, aided by the same spinners excelling today.
Seven Windies players including skipper Kraigg Brathwaite could not hit double digits in the face of tremendous bowling by spinners Noman, Sajid and Abrar.
Hodge and Motie’s partnership provided the first short relief to the Men in Maroon as they added crucial runs to the board.
Noman was also able to secure a hat-trick in the 12th over, dismissing Justin Greaves (1), Tevin Imlach (0), and Kevin Sinclair (0).
Pakistan, who lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test also in Multan by 127 runs, handed a debut to 30-year-old fast bowler Kashif replacing Khurram Shahzad.
The West Indies were forced to leave out injured Jayden Seales, making room for experienced pacer Kemar Roach. Amir Jangoo will be playing his first Test after replacing Keacy Carty.
The series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle with Pakistan ranking eighth and the West Indies ninth and last.
Addressing a press conference at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, West Indies captain Brathwaite said his team was determined to bounce back in the second Test against Pakistan to level the series.
Brathwaite emphasised the need for his team to show resilience and confidence despite the challenges posed by spin-friendly pitches. He said that the team will try to put up a bigger score this time.
Squad
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
Umpires: Rodney Tucker (AUS) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
