Multan, January 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: Spinner Sajid Khan led Pakistan to a commanding 127-run win over the West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Sajid’s stellar performance saw him claim 5-50 in the second innings, bringing his match tally to an impressive nine wickets. Fellow spinner Abrar Ahmed also delivered an exceptional spell, taking 4-27, as the visitors were bowled out for 123 while chasing a target of 251.
The spinners dominated the West Indies’ second innings, with Noman Ali contributing 1-42 to complete the rout. Pakistan now leads the series 1-0 with one match to play.
The tourists’ lone resistance came from left-hander Alick Athanaze, who scored a gritty 55, forming a 41-run partnership with Tevin Imlach for the sixth wicket. Sajid, however, dismissed the dangerous Athanaze, while Abrar sealed the victory by taking the final wicket of Jomel Warrican.
Warrican, who shone with the ball in Pakistan’s second innings, claimed career-best figures of 7-32, marking the best bowling performance by a West Indian in Pakistan since Malcolm Marshall’s 5-33 in Lahore in 1986. His match figures of 10-101 showcased his skill on a turning Multan track, despite the West Indies’ defeat.
The match, lasting less than eight sessions due to a delayed start on the opening day caused by poor visibility, offered sharp turn from the pitch. Pakistan’s spinners capitalized, with Sajid dismissing key players including skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (12), Keacy Carty (6), Kavem Hodge (0), and Mikyle Louis (13).
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their innings at 109-3 but managed only 48 more runs before being bowled out for 157. Warrican’s precision dismantled the middle and lower order, dismissing overnight batter Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan for two runs each in quick succession.
The second and final Test begins on January 25, also in Multan, where Pakistan will aim to seal the series victory.