The West Indies secured a historic victory in the second Test match against Pakistan, winning by 120 runs on the third day in Multan. This win allowed them to level the two-match series 1-1. The victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time in 35 years that the West Indies had won a Test match in Pakistan. Their last win in the country was in Faisalabad in November 1990. Since then, they had failed to win during their tours in 1997 and 2006.
A Series of Ups and Downs
The series started with Pakistan claiming a strong win in the first Test match, also held in Multan. They won by a convincing margin of 127 runs, putting pressure on the visiting West Indies team. However, the West Indies bounced back in the second Test, showing resilience and determination.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite was thrilled with his team’s performance. Speaking after the match, he said, “We haven’t played in Pakistan for a number of years, but we haven’t won here in a while, so to come here and do it as a young group is incredible.” His words reflected the significance of the win for his team, especially since many of the players were young and relatively inexperienced.
Warrican’s Outstanding Performance
One of the key players in the match was left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. He played a crucial role in the West Indies’ victory, taking nine wickets in the match. His total for the series was an impressive 19 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker. Warrican’s performance was vital in helping the West Indies take advantage of the spin-friendly pitches in Pakistan.
Not only was Warrican exceptional with the ball, but he also made a valuable contribution with the bat. He scored an unbeaten 36 runs in the first innings when the West Indies managed to put up only 163 runs on the board. His all-round effort earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
Captain Brathwaite was full of praise for Warrican. He highlighted his bowling performance but also joked about his batting abilities, saying, “Apart from his excellent bowling, he always says he’s one of the best players of offspin in the Caribbean, so it’s good to see him get some runs along with wickets.”
Pakistan’s Struggles
Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood defended his team’s strategy of relying on spin bowling, despite the disappointing loss. He acknowledged that his team was in a strong position on the first day when they had reduced the West Indies to eight wickets down early. However, the team failed to maintain their momentum and struggled in their batting.
Chasing a target of 254 runs to win, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 76-4 on the third day. Their hopes of victory were largely pinned on left-handed batsman Saud Shakeel. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived, as he was caught in the slips for just 13 runs, dismissed by West Indies offspinner Kevin Sinclair. This was a big blow to Pakistan, whose chances of winning were already fading.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled throughout the innings. Their captain Babar Azam was the top scorer with just 31 runs, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan contributed 25. No other player managed to play a significant innings, and the team was eventually bowled out for just 133 runs.
Warrican continued to dominate, dismissing nightwatchman Kashif Ali early in the day. Kashif was bowled for just one run, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 76-6. Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha tried to resist, adding 39 runs for the seventh wicket. However, Warrican soon dismissed Salman for 15, trapping him leg-before-wicket (LBW). He then went on to bowl Rizwan, leaving the West Indies just two wickets away from victory.
The remaining wickets fell quickly. Gudakesh Motie, another West Indies spinner, took two wickets for 35 runs, including the dismissal of Noman Ali for six runs. Warrican then took the final wicket, bowling Sajid Khan for seven runs, sealing the victory for the visitors.
Impact on the World Test Championship
This loss was a major setback for Pakistan in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. They fell to ninth and last place on the WTC table. Meanwhile, the West Indies finished in eighth place, ahead of Pakistan.
At the top of the WTC standings, Australia and South Africa secured their places in the final. These two teams will face off for the championship title at Lord’s in June. Pakistan’s poor performance in this series significantly hurt their chances of competing in the WTC final.
A Historic Win for the West Indies
For the West Indies, this victory was a moment to celebrate. Winning a Test match in Pakistan after 35 years was a huge achievement for the team. The young squad showed their potential, and their spinners took full advantage of the conditions.
The series was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket. Pakistan started strong, winning the first Test convincingly. However, the West Indies came back with a determined performance in the second match to level the series. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt to the conditions were key factors in their success.
What’s Next?
Both teams will now look ahead to their future fixtures. Pakistan will need to reflect on their performance and find ways to strengthen their batting lineup. The heavy reliance on spin-friendly pitches did not work in their favor, and they will need to find a better balance between their batting and bowling attack.
For the West Indies, this series win will be a confidence booster. They have shown that they can compete and win in difficult conditions away from home. Their young players have gained valuable experience, and this victory could be a stepping stone for more success in the future.
With the cricketing world now focused on the WTC final between Australia and South Africa, teams like Pakistan and the West Indies will aim to improve their performances in the upcoming matches to climb the rankings and stay competitive in the global cricketing arena.
Conclusion
The West Indies’ 120-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test in Multan was a historic moment in cricket. With Warrican’s exceptional bowling and a solid team effort, they managed to break their 35-year winless streak in Pakistan. Pakistan, on the other hand, will have to regroup and reassess their strategies. This series was a testament to the thrilling and unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where fortunes can change dramatically from one match to the next.
The cricketing world now looks ahead to more exciting matches, as teams continue their quest for glory in international cricket.
