Pakistan vs West Indies Live Cricket Score, 2nd Test Day 1: Ball-by-Ball Updates and Key Moments from Multan.
Introduction: A High-Stakes Battle in Multan
The cricketing world is abuzz as Pakistan and West Indies lock horns in the second Test at the historic Multan Cricket Stadium. With the series on the line, both teams are vying for supremacy in this high-stakes encounter. For West Indies, it is a must-win match, while Pakistan aims to seal the series with a dominant performance on their home turf.
West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite called it right at the toss and opted to bat first on a surface that promises runs but holds the potential for some assistance to spinners later in the game. Both teams have made minor adjustments to their playing XI, with Amir Jangoo replacing Keacy Carty for the visitors.
Let’s dive into the ball-by-ball updates, detailed scorecards, and key moments from Day 1 of the second Test match.
Toss and TeamsToss: West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first.
Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium
Pakistan Playing XI:Shan Masood (C)
Muhammad Hurraira
Babar Azam
Kamran Ghulam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Salman Agha
Noman Ali
Sajid Khan
Kashif Ali
Abrar Ahmed
West Indies Playing XI:Kraigg Brathwaite (C)
Mikyle Louis
Amir Jangoo
Kavem Hodge
Alick Athanaze
Justin Greaves
Tevin Imlach (WK)
Kevin Sinclair
Gudakesh Motie
Jomel Warrican
Jayden Seales
Session 1: Brathwaite Leads Steady Start
The West Indies openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis, took guard under the clear Multan skies. The pitch appeared to be a batting-friendly track with little assistance for pacers in the early overs.
Brathwaite and Louis began cautiously, respecting the probing lines bowled by Abrar Ahmed and Kashif Ali. The duo built a solid foundation, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers who struggled to extract swing or seam movement. By the 10th over, West Indies had cautiously moved to 32 without loss.
Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan's star leg-spinner, was introduced into the attack in the 12th over. He instantly troubled the batters with his sharp turn and variation. However, Brathwaite's experience shone through as he countered the spin effectively, punishing anything loose.
Key Moments:9th Over: Kashif Ali induced an edge off Mikyle Louis, but the ball fell short of the slip cordon.
15th Over: Kraigg Brathwaite brought up his first boundary with a crisp cover drive off Noman Ali.
At lunch, West Indies were 74/0, with Brathwaite unbeaten on 38 and Louis on 30.
Session 2: Abrar Ahmed Strikes
The post-lunch session brought a much-needed breakthrough for Pakistan. Abrar Ahmed, who had looked threatening all morning, finally broke the opening stand in the 22nd over. Mikyle Louis, attempting a sweep shot, was trapped LBW for 41.
With the opening partnership broken, Pakistan applied pressure on the West Indies middle order. Amir Jangoo, playing his first Test match, joined Brathwaite at the crease. Jangoo looked confident initially, scoring some exquisite boundaries, but fell to Sajid Khan’s off-spin after contributing 23 runs.
Captain Brathwaite held firm, reaching a gritty half-century off 112 balls. However, he received little support from the other end as Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge fell in quick succession, both dismissed by Noman Ali.
Key Moments:22nd Over: Abrar Ahmed dismissed Mikyle Louis with a well-disguised googly.
38th Over: Kraigg Brathwaite reached his fifty with a well-timed cut shot.
45th Over: Noman Ali sent Alick Athanaze back to the pavilion with a beauty that spun past the outside edge.
By tea, West Indies were 153/4, with Brathwaite unbeaten on 64 and Justin Greaves on 15.
Session 3: Pakistan’s Spinners Dominate
The final session belonged entirely to Pakistan’s spinners, who exploited the dry Multan pitch to perfection. Kraigg Brathwaite’s valiant innings came to an end in the 52nd over when he was bowled by Sajid Khan for 73. His dismissal marked the turning point of the day, as West Indies quickly slid from 180/5 to 210 all out.
Justin Greaves tried to hold the innings together, but he was undone by a sharp-turning delivery from Abrar Ahmed. Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican provided some resistance lower down the order, but it was not enough to push the total beyond 210.
Key Moments:52nd Over: Sajid Khan bowled Brathwaite with a delivery that kept low.
59th Over: Abrar Ahmed claimed his third wicket, dismissing Justin Greaves for 28.
62nd Over: Noman Ali wrapped up the innings by taking the final wicket of Jayden Seales.
West Indies were bowled out for 210, a total that seemed below par given the flat nature of the pitch.
Pakistan’s Response
With 20 overs left in the day, Pakistan’s openers, Shan Masood and Muhammad Hurraira, walked out to begin the chase. The West Indies bowlers, particularly Jayden Seales, bowled with fire and accuracy, creating several close chances.
Shan Masood, leading from the front, played some delightful shots through the off-side, while Hurraira took his time to settle in. Pakistan ended the day on 48/0, trailing by 162 runs.
Key Moments:3rd Over: Jayden Seales beat Shan Masood with a peach of a delivery that narrowly missed the off stump.
12th Over: Shan Masood hit the first six of Pakistan’s innings, pulling Kevin Sinclair over deep midwicket.
Day 1 Summary
It was a day of fluctuating fortunes at the Multan Cricket Stadium. West Indies started strongly but faltered against Pakistan’s spinners, managing only 210 runs. Pakistan, in response, made a solid start, finishing the day at 48/0.
Scores at Stumps:West Indies: 210 all out (73.4 overs)Kraigg Brathwaite: 73 (158 balls)
Abrar Ahmed: 3/54
Noman Ali: 3/65
Pakistan: 48/0 (20 overs)Shan Masood: 29* (60 balls)
Muhammad Hurraira: 15* (60 balls)
Looking Ahead
Day 2 promises to be an exciting contest as Pakistan aims to capitalise on the strong foundation laid by their openers. For West Indies, early wickets will be crucial to prevent the hosts from running away with the game. Stay tuned for live updates, key moments, and analysis of this intriguing Test match.
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