West Indies shock Pakistan by 120 runs in a spin dominated 2nd test , series drawn 1-1

 

In the first Test in Multan, Pakistan successfully set a spin trap to dominate the West Indies. Buoyed by that success, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and the team attempted a similar strategy in the second Test. However, this time, they fell into their own trap. The West Indies spinners dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, leading to a convincing 120-run victory and leveling the series 1-1.

In the second innings, Pakistan needed 255 runs to win. By the end of Day 2, they were 76 for 4, requiring another 178 runs. On Day 3, however, they managed to add only 57 runs before being bowled out for 133. Babar Azam top-scored with 31, followed by Mohammad Rizwan with 25. No other batsman contributed significantly. West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican claimed five wickets, bringing his match total to nine and earning the Player of the Match award.

The second Test concluded in less than three days. Remarkably, both teams’ first innings were completed on the first day itself. The Multan pitch heavily favored spinners, evident from the start. Batting first, the West Indies were reduced to 54 for 8, with only Kevem Hodge reaching double figures among the top eight batsmen. Four players were dismissed for ducks. Pakistan spinner Nauman Ali continued his dominance from the first Test, taking a hat-trick by dismissing Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair in consecutive deliveries. He became the first Pakistan spinner and fifth overall from the country to achieve a Test hat-trick, joining the likes of Wasim Akram and Naseem Shah.

The West Indies were rescued by their lower-order batsmen. Gudakesh Motie scored a crucial 55, batting at number nine, while Kemar Roach (25) and Jomel Warrican (36) provided vital contributions from the 10th and 11th spots. Their innings ended at 163, with Nauman Ali finishing with outstanding figures of 6 for 41.

Pakistan’s reply was equally disappointing. Mohammad Rizwan (49) and Saud Shakeel (32) were the only notable contributors, while captain Babar Azam managed just one run. Shan Masood scored 15, and Nauman Ali was dismissed for a duck. Pakistan folded for 154 in just 47 overs, with the West Indies trio of Kevin Sinclair (4 wickets), Gudakesh Motie (3), and Kemar Roach (2) sharing all 10 wickets. West Indies led by nine runs after the first innings.

In their second innings, the West Indies posted 244 runs, with captain Kraigg Brathwaite scoring 52 — the only half-century of the Test. Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan picked up four wickets each but proved expensive on a spin-friendly pitch. The 255-run target set for Pakistan was always going to be a steep climb, and it proved to be so. Pakistan's collapse on Day 3 sealed their fate, as they suffered a 120-run defeat.