The West Indies cricket team has achieved a historic feat by winning their first Test match on Pakistani soil since 1990, pulling off a remarkable 120-run victory over Pakistan at Multan Cricket Stadium. This victory, realized on the third day of the match, ties the two-match series at 1-1 after Pakistan bested the West Indies by 127 runs just days earlier.
This second Test match unfolded under challenging conditions for batters, with the pitch offering excessive spin right from the start, causing teams to rely heavily on spin bowlers. West Indies was initially under pressure after being bowled out for only 163 runs during their first innings. Despite this shaky start, they managed to turn the game around, dismissing Pakistan for just 133 runs.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite praised the team's performance, stating, "We haven't played in Pakistan for a number of years, but we haven't won here in a long time, so to come here and do it as a young group is incredible." His excitement was shared by the team, particularly by spin bowlers Jomel Warrican, who was instrumental with both bat and ball.
Warrican's performance was nothing short of spectacular; he ended up taking five wickets during the match and earned the title of Player of the Series with 19 wickets overall. His exceptional bowling during Pakistan's innings saw him dismantle the batting line-up, demonstrating strategic mastery over the spinning conditions.
The match began with Noman Ali of Pakistan creating waves by being the first spinner to achieve a Test hat trick against the West Indies, claiming three quick wickets to leave the visitors reeling at 38-7 at one point. His remarkable efforts resulted in figures of 6-41, but the tailenders of the West Indies, led by Gudakesh Motie who scored 55 runs, managed to recover, posting respectable total of 163.
Motie's innings was pivotal. He forged partnerships with fellow tailenders Kemar Roach and Warrican, significantly bolstering the team's first innings score. While Ali was wreaking havoc for Pakistan, Motie's persistent resistance was key to preventing an even worse batting collapse. His ability to connect bat and ball, even under immense pressure, visibly frustrated the Pakistani bowlers and turned the tides of the game.
At the conclusion of the first innings, Pakistan seemed well poised to take control, especially since they had the West Indies down. Yet, during Pakistan's batting performance, they failed to capitalize on the advantageous pitch. Captain Shan Masood noted, "On the first day we were in the position we wanted— even maybe even more favorable—when we had them eight down," highlighting how their initial advantage quickly dissipated.
Pakistan struggled immensely against the West Indies spin attack, losing their top-order batsmen early. The likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were expected to anchor the innings, fell victim to Warrican’s sharp deliveries as he methodically picked off wickets. Babar, Pakistan’s star player, scored only 31, leading the middle order's feeble resistance, with Rizwan contributing 25 runs before being dismissed.
The Pakistani side's batting lineup, which is traditionally viewed as more experienced with spin bowling, was rendered ineffective, resulting in the team collapsing for just 133 runs. The defeat pushed them down to ninth place at the bottom of the World Test Championship table—a stark reality as they emerged from the series.
This victory not only marked the West Indies' significant resurgence on the international stage but also demonstrated the unpredictable nature of cricket—especially on spin-friendly wickets where luck and skill go hand-in-hand. Brathwaite emphasized the need for courage and execution of game plans on such bidding surfaces, stating, "Both Test matches the pitch was tough to bat on. We knew it, but we had to be brave. There will always be a ball with your name on it on this pitch."
Warrican’s excellence with the ball, complemented by his capable performance with the bat, defined this Test match. His contributions were key to turning around what many believed would be another defeat for the struggling West Indies. The victory on Pakistani soil gives them renewed hope and confidence as they look forward to future matches. The West Indies won’t just leave Pakistan with points; they take home the knowledge and experience of overcoming significant odds, showing everyone they are not to be underestimated.