Spin trio shine as Pakistan crush West Indies in first Test

Pakistan defeated West Indies by 127 runs in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series, taking a 1-0 lead. The victory was propelled by outstanding bowling from the spinners, with Sajid Khan leading the charge, claiming a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a target of 251, the West Indies were off to a slow start and lost their captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, early to Sajid Khan for just 12 runs, leaving the visitors at 16/1 in 4.2 overs. Sajid struck again shortly after, removing Keacy Carty for six, reducing the West Indies to 26/2 in 6.2 overs.

Sajid continued his brilliant spell, dismissing Kavem Hodge for a duck and Mikyle Louis for 13, while Noman Ali claimed a wicket by removing Greaves for nine. Despite some resistance from Athanaze and Imlach, who put together a 41-run partnership, the West Indies continued to fall apart.

Abrar Ahmed contributed with a vital breakthrough, dismissing Imlach and Sinclair to leave the West Indies with just three wickets remaining. Abrar then claimed another wicket by dismissing Gudakesh Motie for a golden duck.

Sajid Khan capped off a superb performance by claiming his fifth wicket, removing Alick Athanaze for 55, and Abrar wrapped up the match by dismissing the last West Indies batter. Pakistan bowled the West Indies out for 123, securing a comfortable victory.

West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican produced a career-best performance, claiming 7/32 to bundle Pakistan out for 157 on day three of the first Test.

Pakistan resumed their second innings at 109/3 but suffered an early collapse.

Vice-captain Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan both fell for just two runs, while Warrican struck twice in quick succession to reduce the hosts to 113/5 in the 34th over.

Kamran Ghulam’s 27 provided brief resistance, but Warrican continued to dominate, dismissing Noman Ali and Sajid Khan cheaply.

The left-arm spinner also ran out Khurram Shahzad without facing a ball, completing his maiden Test five-for and becoming the first West Indies spinner to achieve the feat in Pakistan.

The final wicket fell to Gudakesh Motie, who removed Salman Ali Agha for 14, as Pakistan were dismissed in 46.4 overs. Warrican finished with figures of 7/32, while Motie picked up one wicket.

Earlier, Pakistan had gained a 93-run lead after bowling out West Indies for 137. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali had starred with the ball, taking four and five wickets, respectively.

Pakistan’s second innings started on a strong note, with Shan Masood (52) and Mohammad Huraira (29) adding 50 runs for the opening wicket. However, a mix-up resulted in Masood’s run-out, and Warrican then triggered a collapse.

West Indies, chasing 251, will aim to build a solid response when play resumes.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), 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 (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves , Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.