MULTAN: The first day of the opening Test between Pakistan and West Indies ended prematurely on Friday due to bad light, with Pakistan reaching 143-4. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with scores of 51 and 56 not out, respectively, after a challenging start.
Pakistan had elected to bat first, but the toss, initially scheduled for 9 AM, was delayed until 1 PM due to dense fog in Multan. Once play began, West Indies pacer Jayden Seales exploited the conditions despite a spin-friendly pitch, removing debutant Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam, and Babar Azam for single digits. Pakistan slumped to 46-4 before Rizwan and Saud put on a strong partnership to rebuild the innings.
Play was halted due to fading light, and stumps were called shortly after.
Pakistan aims to conclude its ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 campaign on a high note. The second and final Test will also take place in Multan on January 25.
West Indies are playing a Test match in Pakistan for the first time since 2006. Currently ranked last in the ICC World Test Championship standings, they aim to put up a strong fight against the hosts. Their last red-ball encounter against Pakistan ended in a 1-1 series draw in 2021.
Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, comes into the series with confidence, having defeated England 2-1 in their previous home Test series in 2024. Shan expressed the team’s determination to finish the championship cycle with a memorable win, recognizing the challenges posed by West Indies.
The Green Shirts’ squad includes three uncapped players: Kashif Ali, Mohammad Huraira, and Rohail Nazir, while returning players Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan are nearing personal milestones of 50 Test wickets.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite noted the excitement among his players as they tour Pakistan for the first time and emphasized the importance of scoring runs and taking 20 wickets to secure a win.
The teams are poised for a competitive series, and both sides are eager to make an impact in Pakistan’s championship cycle’s final Test series.
