Sports

Pakistan conquered against west indies: first win of 2025

Jan 20, 2025

Pakistan achieved a commanding victory in the first Test match of 2025 against the West Indies, winning by 127 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium, in what became the shortest decided Test match in Pakistan's history, lasting only 1,064 balls. After opting to bat first, Pakistan faced a shaky start as their top order faltered, with key players like captain Shan Masood and star batsman Babar Azam failing to make an impact. However, a vital partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings, enabling Pakistan to post a competitive 230 runs. The West Indies, in reply, crumbled against the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, managing only 137 runs in their first innings. Sajid Khan was exceptional, taking 4 for 38, while Noman Ali chipped in with crucial wickets. Despite a collapse in their second innings—slipping from 109 for 3 to being all out for 157, largely due to an outstanding spell from Jomel Warrican, who claimed seven wickets—Pakistan still set a challenging target of 250 runs. The final innings was a disaster for West Indies as they succumbed to intense pressure from the Pakistani spinners, bowled out for a mere 76 runs. Sajid Khan’s brilliance shone again, with five wickets in the second innings, bringing his match tally to nine wickets, while Noman Ali added six across both innings. This victory not only showcased Pakistan’s dominance on home soil but also highlighted their ability to recover from challenging situations, particularly with the resilience of the middle-order and the lethal efficiency of their spinners. The match’s historic brevity adds to its significance, breaking a 1990-91 record of the shortest decided Test on Pakistani soil. With this win, Pakistan leads the two-match series and strengthens its position in the World Test Championship standings. The team’s bowling strength, exemplified by Sajid Khan’s player-of-the-match performance, and the crucial contributions from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, underscore Pakistan’s depth and adaptability in Test cricket. Fans are now eagerly anticipating the second Test, with hopes high for continued success. This match reaffirms Pakistan’s stature as a formidable force in international cricket and boosts morale as they aim for sustained excellence in the ongoing series and beyond.


Posted By: Harsh Patel

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