West Indies Secure Historic Test Victory Over Pakistan in Multan to Level Series 1-1
Pakistan’s strategy of preparing a rank-turner for the second Test against the West Indies in Multan backfired spectacularly as the visitors trapped the hosts in their own spin-friendly conditions. The Windies secured a 120-run victory, marking their first Test win on Pakistani soil in nearly 35 years and leveling the two-match series at 1-1.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Jomel Warrican’s Masterclass:
Windies spinner Jomel Warrican was the standout performer, claiming five wickets in the second innings and finishing with a remarkable match tally of 9 wickets. Across the series, Warrican picked up 19 wickets, showcasing his dominance on turning tracks. - Pakistan’s Batting Collapse:
Chasing a modest target of 254, Pakistan’s batting faltered as they resumed Day 3 at 76-4. The key batter, Saud Shakeel, was dismissed early for 13 by Kevin Sinclair, leaving the hosts with little hope. - West Indies’ Historic Win:
This victory is the West Indies’ first Test win in Pakistan since their Faisalabad triumph in November 1990, breaking a decades-long drought.
West Indies thrashed Pakistan in Pakistan by trapping them in their own spin web 🤣
Pakistan finish at bottom of WTC 2025 points table.
The worst test nation, officially 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/EErWRX2AOY— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) January 27, 2025
Pakistan’s Struggles and Fallout
- Bottom of the WTC Standings:
With the 1-1 series result, Pakistan dropped to the 9th position on the ICC World Test Championship points table. It marked the first time since the WTC format began that Pakistan finished a campaign at the absolute bottom, with 5 wins and 9 losses from 14 matches. - Skipper Shan Masood Reflects:
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood admitted the team’s shortcomings, especially their inability to dismiss the West Indies’ lower order and capitalize on early breakthroughs.“We were exactly where we wanted to be, but one poor performance triggered a domino effect.“
He also emphasized the need for his team to adapt and take inspiration from proactive performances, such as Kraigg Brathwaite’s aggressive 50 for the Windies in the first innings.
Series Recap
- First Test: Pakistan won by 127 runs in Multan.
- Second Test: West Indies won by 120 runs in Multan.
Historic Context
This result serves as a reminder of the resurgence of West Indies cricket in challenging conditions, while also exposing Pakistan’s vulnerabilities on home soil. For Pakistan, this defeat underlines the need for better strategies and execution, particularly against lower-order partnerships and spinners on turning tracks.
The West Indies, on the other hand, will look to build on this historic win as they continue their progress in international cricket.
