• Jayden Seales' exceptional bowling performance left Pakistan struggling at 143 for 4 on Day 1 of the first Test.

  • Despite a shaky start, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings against West Indies at the end of the day.

Twitter reactions: Jayden Seales’ emphatic bowling prowess puts Pakistan on backfoot on Day 1 of the first Test against West Indies
Jayden Seales emphatic bowling prowess puts Pakistan on backfoot on Day 1 of the PAK vs WI first Test (Image source: X)

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The cricketing world witnessed a momentous occasion as Pakistan hosted West Indies for a Test series after an 18-year hiatus. The first Test match commenced at the Multan Cricket Stadium on January 17, 2025, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Pakistan, coming off a disappointing series against South Africa, aimed to leverage their home advantage. Meanwhile, the West Indies sought to improve their standing in the World Test Championship, having recently drawn a series against Bangladesh.

A delayed start and early struggles

The day began ominously with bad weather conditions leading to delays. Fog enveloped the stadium, causing a late start and frustrating players and fans alike. After several interruptions, play finally commenced, but Pakistan’s batting lineup soon found themselves in dire straits against an impressive West Indies bowling attack.

Pakistan opted to bat first but quickly faltered under pressure. The opening partnership was short-lived, with Muhammad Hurraira falling prey to the exceptional Jayden Seales for just six runs. Seales’ delivery was a testament to his skill, setting the tone for the day. He continued to wreak havoc on Pakistan’s batting order, dismissing the local sensation Kamran Ghulam and star batter Babar Azam within the first 14 overs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 46 for 4.

Also READ: PAK vs WI: Fans troll Babar Azam for challenging a clear dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test

Jayden Seales dominates on Day 1

Seales emerged as the standout performer of the day, claiming three wickets for just 21 runs in his ten overs. His pace and precision were instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s top order. The 22-year-old bowler showcased remarkable control and aggression, reminiscent of legends like Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. His ability to generate movement off the pitch troubled even the most seasoned batters.

Seales’ performance was crucial in putting Pakistan on the backfoot early in their innings. His wickets not only highlighted his potential but also demonstrated his growing reputation as one of West Indies’ most promising fast bowlers. As he celebrated each wicket with palpable enthusiasm, it was clear that he was determined to make this series memorable.

Resilience from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan

Despite the early setbacks, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan displayed commendable resilience. Shakeel anchored the innings with an unbeaten 56 runs off 100 balls, while Rizwan supported him well with a solid 51 runs from 80 deliveries. Their partnership became a beacon of hope for Pakistan as they navigated through challenging conditions and relentless bowling.

Both batters focused on building their innings methodically, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when possible. Their efforts were crucial in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings after a dismal start, allowing them to reach a total of 143 runs for four wickets by stumps.

Bad light ends play on Day 1

As the day progressed, bad light once again interrupted play, leading to an early close at 143 for four after just over 41 overs were bowled. The match flow was significantly affected by weather conditions, which not only delayed the start but also curtailed play later in the day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: Pakistan appoints new spin bowling coach ahead of the home Test series against West Indies

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.