The Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 was a whirlwind of emotions, showcasing the unpredictable charm of Test cricket. The match, held in Multan, ended in just three days, with Pakistan clinching a 127-run victory. It was a battle where spinners ruled the roost, delivering match-winning performances in a game marked by dramatic collapses and sporadic resistance. From Sajid Khan’s masterful spells to Jomel Warrican’s seven-wicket haul, the match had it all. Let’s dive into the details of this fascinating encounter that saw Pakistan go 1-0 up in the series.
Day 1: Pakistan’s Struggles and Saud’s Resilience
The first innings saw Pakistan’s batting lineup falter against disciplined bowling from the West Indies. Saud Shakeel, however, stood tall amid the carnage. His gritty 84, combined with Mohammad Rizwan’s patient 71, helped Pakistan recover from a precarious 46-4 to post a competitive total of 230. Warrican’s performance was a masterclass in exploiting subcontinental conditions, keeping the hosts on their toes.
In reply, West Indies struggled to handle the turning track, folding for a mere 137. Sajid Khan’s four-wicket burst dismantled the top order, while Noman Ali’s five-for cleaned up the tail. Jomel Warrican’s unbeaten 31 was the only resistance as Pakistan secured a crucial first-innings lead.
Day 2: Spin, Collapse, and Resilience
The second innings mirrored the chaos of the first. Pakistan’s batsmen found themselves in trouble yet again, with Warrican continuing his magic. Shan Masood’s fighting 52 and Kamran Ghulam’s steady 27 offered some stability, but the rest of the lineup crumbled. Warrican’s figures of 7-32 highlighted his ability to dominate on a challenging surface. Pakistan’s second innings ended at 157, setting the West Indies a daunting target of 251.
West Indies’ chase began with promise as the openers adopted an aggressive approach. However, Sajid Khan’s relentless accuracy and the ever-threatening Noman Ali derailed their plans. By stumps, West Indies were teetering at 37-4, leaving Pakistan firmly in control.
Day 3: A Spin-Fueled Finale
The final day was a spectacle of spin bowling at its finest. Alick Athanaze offered brief hope with a resilient half-century, the only one for the visitors in the match. His partnerships with Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair momentarily frustrated Pakistan. But the introduction of Abrar Ahmed proved decisive. His leg-spin brought variety and breakthroughs, dismissing Imlach with a beauty and Sinclair with a delivery that turned sharply.
Sajid Khan, with figures of 5-50, sealed the game by dismissing Athanaze. Abrar’s 4-27 complemented Sajid’s heroics perfectly, as West Indies were bowled out for 123 in just 36.3 overs. The Pakistan spinners accounted for all 20 wickets, underscoring their dominance on a pitch tailor-made for turn and bounce.
Key Performances
- Sajid Khan: A match haul of 9 wickets made him the standout performer. His ability to extract turn and bounce proved lethal for the West Indies.
- Jomel Warrican: Despite ending on the losing side, Warrican’s 10 wickets in the match were a testament to his skill and persistence.
- Saud Shakeel and Alick Athanaze: Both batters showcased commendable temperament, providing glimpses of what’s needed to succeed on challenging surfaces.
Lessons for Both Teams
For Pakistan, the game reaffirmed their spinners’ unmatched prowess on home soil. However, the batting lineup’s repeated collapses are a concern. The team’s inability to handle quality spin, even in familiar conditions, could hurt them in the future.
The West Indies, on the other hand, showed glimpses of promise, particularly through Warrican and Athanaze. But their inability to string together meaningful partnerships and their vulnerability against spin need immediate attention. Adjusting to turning tracks and building resilience against relentless bowling will be key for the visitors as they aim to level the series.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 was a thrilling encounter that highlighted the art of spin bowling. Pakistan’s comprehensive victory was a testament to their spinners’ mastery and the team’s ability to capitalize on home conditions. As the teams prepare for the second Test, the focus will be on addressing vulnerabilities and sustaining intensity. For cricket enthusiasts, the Multan Test was a reminder of why Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport—unpredictable, challenging, and utterly captivating.