West Indies are on the brink of victory against Pakistan in the Multan Test. Discover the highlights and key moments from Day 2 of this thrilling match.
Introduction:
The West Indies have moved within touching distance of a series-levelling win as they reduced Pakistan to 76 for 4 at stumps on Day 2. With Pakistan still needing 178 runs to seal victory, the visitors are in full control after their dominant show both with the bat and the ball.
West Indies batted to 251, their best batting effort of the series, led by half-century from captain Kraigg Brathwaite and a gritty lower-order contribution. Their spinners then went on to cause massive damage to Pakistan’s top order, including the crucial wicket of Babar Azam in the final session.
Brathwaite’s Leadership Sets the Tone
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite led from the front, showing aggressive intent in the early stages of his innings. He belted Sajid Khan straight down the ground for a six and then ramped Noman Ali twice in the same over. His positive intent was clear as he cut Abrar Ahmed through midwicket for four off the latter’s second ball.
See also: Warrican’s 5 Wicket Haul Thrash Pakistan in Multan Test

However, the Multan pitch friendly to spin continued to keep the game going for Pakistan. Opening partner Mikyle Louis of Brathwaite struggled to settle down. He got caught by Shan Masood at short extra cover in a soft dismissal. Brathwaite managed to stabilize the innings and reached his half-century before going down fighting in a charge down the track by Noman Ali. See also: Noman Ali’s Hat-Trick Headlines Thrilling First Day: 2nd Test, Multan

Lower order keeps the West Indies afloat
Middle and lower order of West Indies played a key role in stretching their lead further. Debutant Amir Jangoo played really composed and with intent, hitting boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. He along with Brathwaite fell quickly, but the lower order dug deep for West Indies.

Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair proved to be an important alliance as they batted for 14 overs, keeping Pakistan’s bowlers frustrated. Even when these two departed, the tailenders continued adding some useful runs. Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican added 27 runs for the ninth wicket and injured Kemar Roach hobbled out to push the total over 250.
Pakistan’s Spin Fightback
Pakistan’s spinners put in a huge effort to keep their side in the game. Noman Ali was the pick of the lot, using the footmarks to create turn and bounce. He dismissed Brathwaite, Kavem Hodge, and Alick Athanaze.

Sajid Khan also chipped in to dismiss the crucial middle-order batsmen and cleaned up the tail. The total of West Indies meant that Pakistan needed to do a lot, considering the conditions.
Pakistan’s Chase Got Off to a Poor Start
The chase went terribly off the rails for Pakistan when both openers fell within 16 overs. Shan Masood was given leg before wicket by Kevin Sinclair. He played for the turn as the ball straightened out. Mohammad Hurraira was not any different in his second outing when he misread Gudakesh Motie’s pace and gave the umpire an easy call.

With Pakistan reeling at 2 for 2, Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam took on the rebuilding job. The duo focused on survival rather than scoring, with Babar gradually finding his rhythm. However, Ghulam’s dismissal to Jomel Warrican and Babar’s late exit to Kevin Sinclair dealt significant blows to Pakistan’s hopes.
The Turning Point: Babar’s Dismissal
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s mainstay, was looking more and more at ease at the crease, but his wicket towards the end of the day completely altered the course of the game. A ball from Kevin Sinclair kicked up a bit more bounce, took an inside edge, and then rebounded off the pad to short leg. The wicket put West Indies into raptures, knowing that getting Babar out before stumps would make all the difference.

Key Performances
West Indies:
Kraigg Brathwaite: 55 off 101 balls, and sets the tone for his side by playing aggressively.
Kevin Sinclair: 2 wickets, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, and a solid contribution to the overall score with the bat.
Gudakesh Motie: 1 wicket and a handy lower-order effort himself on the bat.
Pakistan:
Noman Ali: 4 wickets and made capital of footmarks most effectively.
Sajid Khan: 3 wickets, kept the game alive for Pakistan by chipping in with regular breakthroughs.
And Then There’s This
Pakistan is facing a tough challenge on Day 3, needing 178 runs with only six wickets remaining. The middle and lower order will have to see off the West Indies’ relentless spin threat.
For the visitors, it’s a matter of patience and execution. With the pitch still assisting the spinners, they will look to wrap up the innings and seal a memorable series-levelling win.