Saud, Rizwan steady Pakistan after West Indies' early dominance

Pakistan faced early setbacks on Day 1 of the first Test against West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan’s top order was quickly dismantled by a fiery spell from West Indies’ Jayden Seales.

Seales took three key wickets, including that of Pakistan’s batter Babar Azam, who was dismissed for just 8 runs.

Shan Masood (11) and Muhammad Hurraira (6) were also sent packing, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 46/4 by the 13.3-over mark.

However, vice-captain Saud Shakeel and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan mounted a determined fightback, stabilizing the innings with a resilient partnership.

Shakeel, with his knock, and Rizwan, with a solid contribution, weathered the storm and helped Pakistan recover to 143/4 at Stumps.

WIndies bowlers Seales (3/21) and Gudakesh Motie (1/45) had been the key architects of Pakistan’s collapse, proving difficult to counter for the hosts’ top order.

The day was ended due to bad light, causing a delay in play.

Earlier, Pakistan have won the toss and chosen to bat first in the opening match of the two-match Test series against West Indies.

The match start was delayed earlier in the day due to foggy conditions in Multan.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach (wicketkeeper), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.