Pakistan put in a commanding performance to secure a 127 run victory over West India in the opening Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday (January 19). Despite initial batting hiccups, the home side showed solidity with the bat and brilliance with the ball to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The match witnessed a great game Salman Ali Agha and a dominant display of spin bowling that dismantled the West Indies batting order.
Salman Ali Agha’s stunning catch steals the show
One of the highlights of the match was Salman’s breathtaking slide on Day 3. The incident happened in the 35th over of the West Indies. Abrar Ahmed Bowled a long ball outside off that took an awkward bounce from the surface. Kevin Sinclairunable to cope with the education, he pushed it towards the sliding cordon. Salman, who was at the crease, reacted immediately and lunged forward to catch the ball at shoulder height. His acrobatic effort not only dismissed Sinclair but also set the tone for Pakistan’s dominance in the field.
We present the video:
Ice cold @SalmanAliAgha1! 🤩🤷♂️
Images of the match❓ 👏#PUBLISH | #RedBallRumble pic.twitter.com/cEnoHDVJG1
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 19, 2025
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sajid Khan shines as Pakistan demolish West Indies by 127 runs in 1st Test
Pakistani spinners wreak havoc
Pakistan’s spinners made perfect use of the circumstances and became the architects of their victory. Sajid Khan emerged as the destroyer in chief, scoring nine in both innings. His wicket on Day 3 was instrumental in completing West Indies’ second innings for just 123 runs. Abrar was also instrumental, claiming four wickets in the second innings, including key dismissals. Gudakesh Movement and Jomel Warrican.
The West Indies batting line-up collapsed under pressure, failing to cross 150 in either innings. They scored 137 in the first innings and 123 in the second, leaving them well behind Pakistan’s target. Pakistan’s spinners took advantage of the changing bounce and launched the offering, leaving the visitors scrambling for answers.
Second Test awaits
The teams will gather at the Multan Cricket Stadium for the second and final Test starting January 25. With this win, Pakistan have a firm hold on the series and will be keen to seal a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, West Indies will need to regroup quickly to level the series and avoid a clean sweep.
