Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Test: Noman Ali’s Historic Hat-Trick in Vain as West Indies End Day 1 in Commanding Position
The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies has kicked off at Multan Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan leading the series 1-0 following a commanding performance in the first Test on a pitch that heavily favored spin. As expected, the Multan pitch remained consistent, presenting similar challenges for the batters on Day 1, with spinners once again taking control of the game. Here’s a comprehensive review of Day 1’s play in Multan.
Noman Ali’s Record Hat-Trick
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, West Indies were hoping for less spin early in the Multan pitch, but their decision quickly backfired. Sajid Khan was the first to strike, getting some turn with the new ball. However, it was debutant medium pacer Kashif Ali who made the breakthrough, dismissing Mikyle Louis, caught by Mohammed Rizwan. Sajid Khan followed up with the dismissal of Amir Jangoo.
Despite a brief partnership, the West Indies were in trouble when Shan Masood introduced Noman Ali. In his very first over, Noman struck, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite. He didn’t stop there—Noman Ali made history shortly after, becoming the first-ever Pakistan bowler to claim a Test hat-trick. His wickets—Justin Greaves, Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair—reduced the West Indies to a dire 38/7 from 31/2, with his remarkable achievement shifting the momentum firmly in Pakistan's favor.
Gudakesh Motie Saves the Day for West Indies
After a dramatic collapse, reducing the West Indies to 38/7, Gudakesh Motie arrived at the crease and was soon joined by Kemar Roach, with the team at 68/8. The pair fought back with a solid partnership, both defending well and finding boundaries when possible. They added a crucial 50-run stand before Roach was dismissed for 25(45).
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Jomel Warrican then joined Motie, and while Motie focused on steadying the ship, Warrican shifted gears, attacking the Pakistan spinners. Motie finished with a defiant 55(87), while Warrican added a quickfire 36(40). Their efforts helped West Indies avoid complete disaster, as they posted a fighting total of 163 in 41 overs.
Babar Azam and Pakistan Struggle to Take the Lead
Trailing by 163 runs, Pakistan began their innings with Shan Masood and Hurraira, but things quickly went south. West Indies employed a similar strategy to the one they used against Pakistan’s top order, getting the breakthrough early. Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, continued his struggles and was dismissed for a duck, further deepening Pakistan’s woes.
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End of Day 1
Despite a middle-order fightback from Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, and Mohammed Rizwan, Pakistan failed to seize control. Jomel Warrican’s timely wickets in regular intervals left Pakistan trailing by 11 runs as they were all-out for 153. West Indies ended the day with a slim lead of 9 runs, a slight advantage that they will look to capitalize on when they come out to bat tomorrow morning.
