Table of Contents
Pakistan stamped their authority with a resounding 127-run victory over the West Indies in the opening Test at Multan, showcasing a blend of resilience and brilliance across all departments. Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed proved too hot to handle for the West Indies as the visitors collapsed for 123, falling short of their target of 251. With this dominant display, Pakistan took a crucial 1-0 lead, leaving the visitors with plenty to ponder ahead of the next Test in the series.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan stabilize Pakistan’s first innings
Batting first on a dry and spin-friendly Multan surface, Pakistan overcame early jitters to post a respectable total of 230, thanks to a stellar partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. After losing four quick wickets with just 54 runs on the board, the pair weathered the storm, countering disciplined spells from Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican. Shakeel played with remarkable patience, crafting a mature 84 that held the innings together, while Rizwan added a counter-attacking 71.
Their 117-run stand not only steadied the innings but also sapped the energy out of the West Indies bowlers. However, the lower order faltered against a second wave of precision from the bowlers, with Seales and Warrican finishing with three wickets each. Pakistan’s total, while not imposing, proved competitive given the challenging conditions and the lack of consistent partnerships from the opposition.
Noman Ali’s five-wicket haul demolishes West Indies
Pakistan’s spinners completely outclassed the West Indies batters, skittling them out for a paltry 137 and establishing a vital first-innings lead of 93 runs. Noman was the architect of this collapse, claiming figures of 5/39 with impeccable line and length, exploiting the surface’s turn and bounce. His deliveries consistently tested the batters’ technique, often inducing false strokes and edging them into the waiting hands of fielders.
Sajid complemented him brilliantly, taking 4/65, ensuring relentless pressure from both ends. The visitors never found rhythm, with only Jomel Warrican showing some fight with an unbeaten 31, as wickets tumbled in clusters. Pakistan’s sharp fielding added to the West Indies’ misery, with catches in close positions reflecting their superior preparation. The collapse exposed the visitors’ vulnerability against spin, a recurring challenge that Pakistan capitalized on masterfully.
Also READ: PAK vs WI 2025: Mohammad Rizwan falls on the very next delivery following Noman Ali’s unusual run-out on Day 2 of the first Test
Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmad seal a dominant win despite Jomel Warrican’s heroics
Pakistan’s second innings faced initial tremors, but Shan Masood’s composed 52 and Mohammad Hurraira’s handy 29 helped them post a target of 251, despite Warrican’s career-best figures of 7/32. The left-arm spinner’s spell was a masterclass in precision, dismantling Pakistan’s batting order and briefly igniting hopes for the West Indies. However, the visitors’ batting unit once again crumbled under pressure, this time against the combined efforts of Sajid and Abrar.
Sajid’s 4/35 and Abrar’s 4/27 spun a web around the batters, leaving them clueless. Alick Athanaze fought valiantly with a gritty 55, showcasing skill and determination, but his teammates failed to offer any meaningful resistance. The West Indies were bundled out for 123, sealing a massive 127-run win for Pakistan. The hosts’ superior all-round performance underscored their dominance and exposed glaring weaknesses in the visitors’ lineup, setting a strong tone for the remainder of the series.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
SHORTEST EVER TEST MATCH IN PAKISTAN. Just 177.2 overs and 40 wickets. #PakvWI
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) January 19, 2025
A dream dismissal for an off-spinner!
🔥 @SajidKhan244 🔥#PAKvWI #UnitedForPakistan pic.twitter.com/aVlms8Y0dw
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) January 19, 2025
Mood 🙌😁
📸: PCB | #SultanSupremacy | #PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/hL7HXNGEwS
— Multan Sultans (@MultanSultans) January 19, 2025
The Abrar and Noman show outfoxes West Indies in the second innings 👏
Pakistan's third Test win on the trot at home ✅#PAKvWI | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/b5Ya6eIn8x
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 19, 2025
Congratulations to @TheRealPCB on a magnificent win in the 1st Test against @windiescricket 🙌
A well-deserved 1-0 lead in the series💚#Zalmi #YellowStorm #PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/P5rNE8KSqM
— Peshawar Zalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) January 19, 2025
The Rizwan/Shakeel partnership allowed Pakistan to get to a competitive first innings total, and the spinners did the rest.
Short term the turning tracks has been a good strategy, long term it could impact the production line of Pakistan's fast bowlers.#PAKvWI
— Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹 (@AdamKerrBell) January 19, 2025
Moment of the Match! Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan doing Sajid Khan's celebration as promised ❤️❤️❤️#PAKvWI #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/WMh0ZWpPR1
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 19, 2025
This is Pakistan’s third consecutive Test win at home. Before October 2024, they had not won a Test at home for nearly four years. So, the outrage against rank turners formula doesn’t really make sense. #PAKvWI
— Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (@ahsannagi) January 19, 2025
Lovely scenes
Babar & Rizwan make wish true for Sajid #tapmad #PakvWI #CatchEveryMatch #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/LgRyyRGj2E— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) January 19, 2025
A dominant victory for Pakistan 💪👏#PAKvWI #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/mUjIJUi5d9 pic.twitter.com/rG9Sr4Jh2h— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 19, 2025