Pakistan’s spinners take 20 wickets to seal 127-run win over West Indies
Sajid’s four-wicket haul on the third day, combined with Noman’s first-innings five-for, ensured Pakistan maintained control throughout the match.
Pakistan's spinners dominated the West Indies in Multan, claiming all 20 wickets as the hosts secured a 127-run victory in the opening Test, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Sajid Khan and Noman Ali starred with the ball, dismantling the West Indies' batting line-up across both innings.
Sajid's four-wicket haul on the third day, combined with Noman's first-innings five-for, ensured Pakistan maintained control throughout the match. Abrar Ahmed sealed the win by taking the final wicket on Sunday.
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Set a target of 251 after dismissing Pakistan for 157 earlier in the day, the West Indies faltered against the spin trio. Sajid tore through the top order, claiming figures of 4-36, while Noman picked up 3-50, leaving the visitors reeling. Abrar Ahmed chipped in with two crucial wickets, including the final dismissal of Jayden Seales, as the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 137.
Tailender Jomel Warrican provided brief resistance with a fighting 31, hitting four boundaries and a six, but it was not enough to stave off defeat.
Earlier in the day, Warrican's career-best figures of 7-32 in 18 overs had given the West Indies hope. He ran through Pakistan's second innings after the hosts resumed on 109-3. Despite Warrican's efforts, Pakistan's first-innings lead of 93 runs proved decisive.
Resuming on 143-4 in their first innings, Pakistan's middle order had collapsed after strong contributions from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. The pair added a crucial 141 runs for the fifth wicket on day one, with Shakeel scoring 84 and Rizwan contributing 71. However, the lower order crumbled, leaving Pakistan all out for 230.
In response, the West Indies struggled, folding for 137 on the second day as Noman Ali's 5-45 and Sajid Khan's 4-51 restricted any resistance.
With this win, Pakistan boosted their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The series is the West Indies' first Test tour of Pakistan since 2006, with the visitors currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship table.
