Pakistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard
The opening Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies, held at the Multan Cricket Stadium from January 17 to 21, 2025, was a compelling encounter that showcased the prowess of both teams. Pakistan emerged victorious, defeating the West Indies by 127 runs.
Match Summary
- Venue: Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan
- Series: West Indies tour of Pakistan, 2024-25
- Result: Pakistan won by 127 runs
- Player of the Match: Sajid Khan (Pakistan)
Day 1: Pakistan’s Resilient Start
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat under hazy conditions with floodlights illuminating the ground throughout the day. The decision seemed to backfire initially as the West Indies’ pacer, Jayden Seales, delivered a remarkable spell, reducing Pakistan to 46 for 4. Seales dismissed debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam, and captain Babar Azam in quick succession, exploiting the slight seam movement on offer.
However, a resilient partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings. The duo added an unbeaten 97-run stand for the fifth wicket, with Shakeel scoring 56* and Rizwan contributing 51* by the end of the day’s play. Their efforts guided Pakistan to 143 for 4 at stumps on Day 1.
Day 2: Pakistan’s Collapse and West Indies’ Struggle
Resuming at 143 for 4, Pakistan aimed to build a substantial first-innings total. However, the West Indies bowlers had other plans. The visitors picked up the remaining six wickets for just 87 runs, bundling out Pakistan for 230. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 84, while Mohammad Rizwan added 71. Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3 for 27.
Day 3: Pakistan Sets a Challenging Target
With a first-innings lead, Pakistan looked to set a formidable target for the West Indies. Openers Shan Masood and Mohammad Hurraira provided a solid start, with Masood scoring a fluent 52. Despite losing a few quick wickets, Pakistan declared their second innings at 157, setting the West Indies a target of 251 runs for victory.
Pakistan Clinches Victory
Chasing 251, the West Indies faced an uphill task on a deteriorating pitch. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Sajid Khan, dismantled the visitors’ batting lineup. The West Indies were bowled out for 123 in 36.3 overs, falling short by 127 runs. Sajid Khan’s exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Scorecard Highlights
Pakistan 1st Innings:
- Total: 230 all out
- Top Scorers:
- Saud Shakeel: 84 runs
- Mohammad Rizwan: 71 runs
- West Indies Bowling:
- Jayden Seales: 3 for 27
West Indies 1st Innings:
- Total: 137 all out
- Top Scorer:
- Gudakesh Motie: 31* runs
- Pakistan Bowling:
- Noman Ali: 5 for 39
- Sajid Khan: 4 for 65
Pakistan 2nd Innings:
- Total: 157 for 3 declared
- Top Scorer:
- Shan Masood: 52 runs
West Indies 2nd Innings:
- Total: 123 all out
- Pakistan Bowling:
- Sajid Khan: 4 wickets
Conclusion
The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies was a testament to the home side’s dominance in familiar conditions. The spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan played pivotal roles in dismantling the West Indies’ batting lineup, while the resilience shown by Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan in the first innings set the foundation for Pakistan’s victory. The visitors will need to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities ahead of the second Test to level the series.
