West Indies has made history by defeating Pakistan by 120 runs during the second Test at Multan, marking the Caribbean team’s first victory on Pakistani soil since 1990. This match not only showcased the resilience and strategic prowess of the West Indies but also exposed significant cracks within the Pakistani side.
Setting the tone for the match, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite played a pivotal role, scoring 52 runs and leading his team to a steady total of 244. Despite being down 38 for 7 at one stage, the team managed to regroup and set Pakistan a challenging target of 254 runs. This decisive victory levels the two-match series, following Pakistan's 127-run win in the opening Test.
The West Indies’ triumph is particularly noteworthy considering it occurred 34 years since their last win against Pakistan on home ground. The victory was fueled by standout performances from Jomel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair, who effectively exploited the spin-friendly conditions to dismantle the Pakistani batting lineup. Sinclair led the charge with his disciplined bowling, claiming 2 wickets at 41 runs.
Pakistan attempted to mount their own challenge but limped to just 154 runs during their first innings. Babar Azam’s poor form continued to haunt the team, as he departed for only 31 runs, undone by Sinclair’s smart bowling. This marked another disappointing chapter for Azam, who has struggled to find significant runs on home turf this past year.
Ramiz Raja, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, did not hold back his criticism post-match, expressing his frustration about the team’s mindset and performance. “When you prepare such a brutal spin track, it becomes a lottery. Winning the toss is important, and every inning matters. Unfortunately, Pakistan couldn’t capitalize when it mattered the most,” he stated during his analysis on YouTube.
Raja emphasized the need for Pakistan to reassess its approach, especially as they faced the West Indies, who were seen as the underdogs before the match. He pointed out the team’s lack of intensity and focus, particularly against opponents ranked lower on the Test ladder. “The frustrating thing about Pakistan cricket is we play at top gear against strong teams but drop our standards against so-called ‘weaker’ sides,” he lamented.
This historic Test victory not only serves as validation for the West Indies but also highlights the need for Pakistan to reevaluate its strategies moving forward. While early sessions of the Test showcased Pakistan's past dominance, it's undeniable now they must not only address the glaring flaws but also bolster their approach to regain their standing as cricketing powerhouses.
Brathwaite's leadership was key for West Indies, who came alive after their previous defeat. Their adaptability to the conditions—and ability to leverage on-the-field performances—proved decisive. The match also saw the debut of Amir Jangoo, who contributed 30 runs, comfirming the depth of talent available to the Caribbean side.
The second Test saw both teams struggling with the bat at times, with spinners dominating the conditions. Yet, the West Indies managed to stay focused, defying expectations and showcasing their capabilities as the Tests progressed. Their bowling attack, led by Warrican and Sinclair, continued to put Pakistan under pressure, culminating in Pakistan collapsing to 76 for 4 during their attempted run chase.
Pakistani spinners, traditionally their strongest asset, faltered under pressure, with Sajid Khan and Noman Ali failing to replicate their earlier performances. The duo picked up four wickets each but could not exert the same control seen during the first Test.
This historic win is not just about the stats; it’s also about the determination and spirit of the West Indies team, which has been often overshadowed by their turmoil over the past few years. Coach Phil Simmons remarked on the players' tenacity, stating, “This victory is just the beginning; it’s showing what we are capable of when we play with heart and discipline.”
Malaise has surrounded the Pakistan cricket team for some time, and the wake-up call from the West Indies should provoke necessary change. With mixed performances against teams like the West Indies, who rank below them, it’s clear Pakistan's management must address the problems within the squad. With pressure mounting on Babar Azam and others, fans are left wondering how this defeat will impact the long-term planning for upcoming series.
Both teams now have much to reflect on before they meet again. The West Indies would be eager to build on this momentum, knowing it’s not simply luck they’re credited with, but skill and adaptability. Conversely, Pakistan will be scrambling to refocus and strategize to reclaim their pride and establish themselves once again as formidable contenders on the international stage.
This drawn series serves as both victory and awakening—recalling the historical triumphs and current challenges each side faces. The cricketing world watches as both teams gear up for their next encounters, hopeful for continued growth, competitiveness, and perhaps, another thriller between these two storied cricketing nations.