Relive the excitement of Noman Ali’s stunning hat-trick on the first day of the 2nd Test in Multan. Get in-depth coverage and expert commentary here.
Introduction:
Cricket fans witnessed an enthralling spectacle during the first day of the Second Test between Pakistan and West Indies at Multan. With the spin-friendly wicket perfectly curated to exploit conditions, the match provided drama, milestones, and exceptional performances. In just the first day, 20 wickets fell, which proved to be a battleground for an unpredictable contest. Let’s dive into some intriguing details from a day where spin ruled supreme.
A Haven for Spin in Multan
In accordance with the expectations, the Multan track turned out to be heaven for the spinners. Pakistan’s rollers, spearheaded by Noman Ali, ran riot as West Indies found themselves on the backfoot by breaching in the morning session. However, in a great turn of events, West Indies return bowling that seriously troubled the Pakistani batsmen to tie down the game within nine runs from each other.
See also: Noman and Sajid Dismantle West Indies in One-Session Masterclass: Day 2

West Indies Batting Collapse: Noman Ali Hat-Trick Stuns
West Indies, however, had won the toss, and they asked to bat again – hoping for the best possible scenario of making a strong start. But that was not to be. Within the second over, Mikyle Louis, trying his luck at poking one, was taken behind. Immediately after, Amir Jangoo was celebrating his debut with getting trapped Lbw by Sajid Khan as West Indies slipped to 54 for 8. See also: West Indies Close in on Victory Against Pakistan in Multan Test Day 2
The highlight of the innings came from Noman Ali, who produced a sensational hat-trick, becoming the first Pakistani spinner in Test history to achieve the feat. His deliveries were a masterclass in spin bowling:
Justin Greaves edged one with extra bounce.
Tevin Imlach missed a sweep to a straight ball. Kevin Sinclair, surrounded by fielders, was undone by a quicker ball that spun sharply, leaving him defenseless. This was a fine recovery that put West Indies at 38 for 7. But the next two hours saw West Indies bounce back with resilience and ingenuity.

The Recovery By The Tail
West Indies’ tail-enders once more played their parts well, showing resilience on a difficult wicket. Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, and Gudakesh Motie managed a spirited recovery by adding those all-important runs that took his team to a respectable 163.
Roach and Motie added 41 runs for the ninth wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers with their mix of defense and aggression.

Warrican’s counterattacking flair saw him striking boundaries, including a powerful shot down the ground to bring up a 50-run stand with Motie. Motie brought up his half-century in style, displaying remarkable composure before being bowled by Noman just before lunch.

The long session finally concluded when West Indies successfully defended the score which, at one point during the morning, seemed improbable.
Pakistan’s Struggles: West Indies Fight Back with the Ball
Pakistan faced identical tests on a wicket offering prodigious turn and uncertain bounce. With reverse swing, Kemar Roach got them off to a sharp start, LBW-ing Mohammad Hurraira. Roach’s incisive spell and the guile of Warrican and Motie got Pakistan back to 50 for 4.
Babar Azam, trying to get himself in against Motie by cutting, was out by a sheer lack of bounce, bowled. Shan Masood, trying to negate Roach’s inswingers, was undone by a delivery that jags back into him.

Rizwan and Shakeel: A Glimmer of Hope
But with some resistance from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, there was a class in countering spin with the right mix of patience and precision. Rizwan was at his best footwork and strategy in sweeping the field and rotating the strike.
Still, a wonderful catch by Roach in long-on broke the momentum of Pakistan as Warrican then went on to serve a peach delivery to dismiss Rizwan. Now, Pakistan were in deep trouble.

A Day Dominated by Bowlers
The West Indies bowlers did not let off the pressure, and Pakistan’s lower order was unable to resist their disciplined attack. The hosts lost their last six wickets for a mere 35 runs, getting bowled out for 154. A run-out involving Sajid Khan and Kashif Ali added an unfortunate end to Pakistan’s innings.

With 20 wickets falling in a single day, the Test match stood delicately poised.
Noman Ali’s Historic Hat-Trick:
Noman’s hat-trick was the standout moment of the day, underlining his mastery of spin on a challenging wicket. His variations in pace and turn kept the West Indies batters guessing.
West Indies’ Lower-Order Grit:
The remarkable contributions from Motie, Roach, and Warrican ensured the visitors posted a respectable total. Their adaptability in spin-friendly conditions set an example for their top-order batters.

Pakistan’s Middle-Order Dependence:
Rizwan and Shakeel gave some glimmer of hope, but Pakistan’s top and lower-order did not have a good day against the West Indies attack.
The Spin Battle:
Both teams heavily rely on their spinners, and the pitch has much more drama in store for the coming days. The Test may well be decided by which team plays spin better.
What’s Next
With the match approaching Day Two, the game is finely poised. With only nine runs separating the two sides, the next innings will be crucial in deciding the fate of the game. Pakistan needs their batters to fire while West Indies needs to continue with their aggressive approach both with bat and ball.
Cricket fans can look forward to another exciting day as both teams fight for supremacy on a wicket that has already become a theater of spin.