West Indies struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack in Multan, with Noman Ali taking a hat-trick. West Indies were 64-8 after 17.6 overs.
The second Test match between West Indies and Pakistan in Multan commenced with West Indies winning the toss and electing to bat. The match began under clear, sunny skies, a stark contrast to the foggy conditions that delayed the first Test. West Indies made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Kemar Roach, who recovered from illness, to replace Jayden Seales and Amir Jangoo, who made his debut, in place of Keacy Carty. The pitch conditions in Multan were expected to favor spin bowling, with visible cracks on the surface predicted to assist turn as the day progressed.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly the spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, quickly took control in the first session. Noman Ali achieved a remarkable hat-trick, dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair in quick succession. Sajid Khan supported his partner effectively, taking crucial wickets to further destabilize the West Indies batting lineup. Abrar Ahmed also contributed, taking the wicket of Kavem Hodge. The West Indies batting lineup struggled to adapt to the spin-friendly conditions, resulting in the team facing early batting woes.
Kavem Hodge showed some promise with 21 runs off 38 balls, including one boundary, but his innings was cut short by Abrar Ahmed. Hodge, was caught by Muhammad Hurraira after a delivery that deflected off his helmet. The West Indies innings continued to stumble, with the score at 64 for 8 after 17.6 overs. Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach were at the crease, facing the intense spin attack of Pakistan. The Pakistan spin bowlers dominated the session, capitalizing on the favorable pitch conditions that provided good turn and grip. Noman Ali ended the session with 4 wickets, while Sajid Khan had 2.
The match continued with the Pakistani spinners asserting their dominance. Abrar Ahmed bowled a flighted delivery to Roach, resulting in two runs through fine leg. Earlier in the over, Roach drove a delivery over the bowler’s head and secured two runs. The session was dominated by the spin of Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed. Noman Ali created pressure by bowling just outside off and Roach struggled to score. While Roach managed to survive, Motie tried to take on the spinners. Motie hit Abrar for a boundary, displaying some positivity with his batting. Overall the session belonged to the Pakistani spin bowlers who showed great precision with their bowling and extracted the most out of the pitch.
In the end of the session, West Indies were struggling with their batting as the Pakistani spin bowlers had ripped through the top and middle order. Pakistan’s ability to use spin in Multan created a tough situation for the West Indies batters, as they looked to play against the spin. West Indies innings faced an uphill task against Pakistani spin attack.
Sources: https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/101058/wi-vs-pak-2nd-test-west-indies-tour-of-pakistan-2025
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-in-pakistan-2024-25-1442208/pakistan-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-1442219/match-report
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-vs-west-indies-live-score-today-pak-vs-wi-2nd-test-live-streaming-updates-multan-cricket-stadium/liveblog/117543090.cms