Multan (NNP) Pakistan secured a commanding 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at the Multan Cricket Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead.
Starting the third day with middle-order batsman Saud Shakeel at the crease, Pakistan faltered early, losing Shakeel for no addition to the score. Kamran Ghulam contributed 27 runs, while other batters struggled. Mohammad Rizwan managed just 2 runs, Noman Ali 9, Agha Salman 14, Sajid Khan 5, and Khurram Shahzad departed without scoring.
The hosts were bowled out for 157 runs in their second innings, leaving the West Indies a target of 251 runs. Jomal Warrick delivered a stellar performance for the visitors, claiming 7 wickets, while Gudakesh Moti chipped in with one.
In response, the West Indies’ chase crumbled under pressure. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite scored 12 runs, Michael Lewis 13, Casey Carty 6, Qaim Hodge fell for a duck, and Justin Graves managed just 9. Tevin Amlach contributed 14, while Kevin Sinclair added 10. Gudakesh Moti and Jomal Warrick also failed to score.
The only resistance came from Alec Athens, who fought valiantly with a knock of 55 runs. However, his efforts fell short as the West Indies were dismissed for 123.
Pakistan’s bowlers were the heroes, with Sajid Khan claiming five wickets and Abrar Ahmed taking four to dismantle the visitors.
The second and final Test of the series will determine whether Pakistan can secure a clean sweep or if the West Indies canbounce back.
