Witness the thrilling encounter as Pakistan outspins West Indies to secure a 1-0 lead in the series. Explore match highlights and key moments here.
Introduction: Pakistan outspins West Indies
In a drama-filled third day of cricket in Karachi, Pakistan beat West Indies by 127 runs to gain the opening Test of the series. The day witnessed an unbelievable 17 wickets fall in two sessions as Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed led a spin attack that was enough for Pakistan to disassemble the West Indies batting lineup. The home side capitalized on prodigious turn and a crumbling pitch, transforming a small target of 251 into an unconquerable mountain against the visiting team, which collapsed to just 123.
See also: Noman and Sajid Dismantle West Indies in One-Session Masterclass: Day 2
Spinners Dominate as Pakistan Seal Victory
West Indies started their second innings at 251. Pakistan’s spinners did the rest to get them out quickly. Sajid Khan was the one to take six wickets in the match, and Abrar Ahmed took three, which were also crucial. This was on a wicket that was offering turn and uneven bounce in patches.
Early Breakthroughs Set the Tone
With some 15 overs remaining before lunch, West Indies started off positively, aware that they could not afford tentative play on a deteriorating pitch. But the aggressive intent of West Indies saw early wickets falling:
Brathwaite’s early departure: The West Indies skipper attempted a slog sweep off Sajid Khan but found the fielder at deep midwicket, handing Pakistan their first breakthrough.
Sajid’s Magic: With turn off the footmarks troubling the right-handers, Sajid bowled Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge to leave West Indies reeling at 37 for 4.
Greaves Dismissed Before Lunch: Noman Ali, introduced late into the attack, trapped Justin Greaves in front of middle stump, adding to West Indies’ woes.
Athanaze Offers Resistance After Lunch
West Indies saw a brief revival in the second session, thanks to Alick Athanaze. The left-hander batted with great composure and became the only West Indies batter to score a half-century in the match.
Partnerships Build Hope: Athanaze first teamed up with Tevin Imlach and then Kevin Sinclair to stabilize the innings. By giving up on reckless shots, they temporarily kept the Pakistan spinners at bay.
Abrar Ahmed Strikes Back: Abrar was then brought into the attack, and momentum swang again. His flighted leg-spin removed Imlach with a stunning ball that drifted in and turned away for the edge.
Abrar and Sajid Break the Resistance
Abrar Ahmed continued to unleash havoc, supplemented by sharp catching in the slip cordon. Salman Agha took a fabulous diving catch that sent Kevin Sinclair back into his hut, while Abrar went on to claim a wicket from the very next ball.
With Athanaze running out of partners, he eventually fell to Sajid Khan, missing a straight delivery to be bowled for 56. Abrar Ahmed wrapped things up when Gudakesh Motie’s reverse sweep deflected onto the stumps, ending West Indies’ innings at 123.
Warrican Shines Despite West Indies’ Defeat
Earlier in the day, Jomel Warrican delivered a career-best performance, taking 7 for 48 as Pakistan collapsed for 157 in their second innings. Warrican’s control, variation, and persistence on a turning track made him the standout bowler for the visitors.
Shakeel Departs First Ball: Pakistan’s troubles began immediately, as Saud Shakeel clipped the first ball of the day straight to short midwicket.
Kamran Ghulam ended with a sharp turner, which drew an edge to the keeper, handed Warrican his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Pakistan’s tail failed to make a difference against a mix of poor shot selections and sharp fielding as Agha Salman and Khurram Shahzad fell on their way to the pavilion.
A Test Match for Bowlers
This was proof of the rule of spinners on subcontinent surfaces. More and more did the Karachi pitch favor the bowling as the contest unfolded.
Pakistan’s Spinning Quartet
Sajid Khan: The ability to get that footmarks really worked for West Indies’ line-up.
Abrar Ahmed: He brought variety with his extra bounce and tighter turn, taking wickets that were crucial, especially at moments when they would have mattered a lot.
West Indies Lone Star
Jomel Warrican: Though the day ended in West Indies’ losing favor, a 7-for by Warrican was something to be celebrated on a track that was hard to play upon.
Turning Points of the Match
Sajid’s Early Strikes: By getting rid of Brathwaite and Hodge in rapid succession, it set the pace for Pakistan’s dominance in bowling.
Athanaze’s Fightback: His gritty half-century kept West Indies’ hopes alive for a brief while but lacked support from the rest of the lineup.
Abrar’s Double Blow: The removal of Imlach and Sinclair in quick succession broke West Indies’ resistance and tilted the match decisively in Pakistan’s favor.
The Pitch Debate
The Karachi surface was criticized for its extreme turn and inconsistent bounce, which made life difficult for batters from both teams. Although it played to Pakistan’s strengths, the unpredictable nature of the wicket raised questions about its suitability for a balanced contest.
What’s Next?
For Pakistan
The hosts will carry momentum into the second Test as they look to seal the series.
Batting still the concern, with the manner they build a partnership in adverse weather conditions.
For West Indies
Alick Athanaze and Jomel Warrican have been bright sparks, but much more from their top order in the second Test.
Key Statistics
Sajid Khan: 9 wickets in the match
Jomel Warrican: 7 for 48- third-best by a visiting team’s bowler in Pakistan
Alick Athanaze: 55 -the only half century of the game for West Indies