The West Indies tightened their grip on the second Test in Multan, reducing Pakistan to 76/4 in pursuit of a challenging 254-run target. With two days remaining, Pakistan faces a steep battle to avoid a series-levelling defeat, while West Indies are just six wickets away from victory on a pitch that is increasingly favoring the spinners.
Key Highlights: Day 2 in Multan
1. West Indies Lower Order Steps Up
After a steady half-century from captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies’ lower-order batters added crucial runs, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and taking their total to 244. Partnerships between the lower-order players proved vital in giving the visitors a significant lead.
- Top Performers:
- Brathwaite: 52 runs, leading from the front.
- Kevin Sinclair & Tevin Imlach: Key contributions to build pressure.
- Tailenders’ Resistance: Last-wicket partnerships added critical runs, pushing the lead past 250.
2. Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
Pakistan’s chase started disastrously, with both openers falling early to spinners Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie.
- Shan Masood: Trapped lbw by Sinclair as the ball carried on with the arm.
- Mohammad Hurraira: Misread a delivery from Motie and was also dismissed lbw.
A partnership between Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam briefly calmed nerves, but Ghulam’s dismissal to Jomel Warrican, followed by Babar’s unfortunate dismissal to Sinclair, left Pakistan reeling.
3. Kraigg Brathwaite’s Leadership
Brathwaite set the tone early with a mix of aggression and patience. His six off Sajid Khan in the fifth over sent a clear message: the spinners would not dictate terms. He eventually fell to Noman Ali, beaten by sharp turn, but not before stabilizing the innings.
Turning Points of the Match
- Pakistan’s Poor Start
Losing both openers within 16 deliveries piled early pressure on Pakistan. - Babar Azam’s Dismissal
Just when Pakistan seemed to be settling, Babar’s inside edge off Sinclair marked a critical blow. - West Indies’ Late Resistance
The visitors’ lower order, led by Warrican and Roach, added valuable runs, extending the lead and deflating Pakistan’s morale.
What’s at Stake?
Pakistan, needing 178 more runs with just six wickets in hand, will heavily rely on middle-order batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan to pull off a miraculous chase. However, with the pitch deteriorating and West Indies’ spinners growing in confidence, the odds seem stacked against the hosts.
FAQs: Pakistan vs West Indies Multan Test
Q: How many runs does Pakistan need to win?
A: Pakistan requires 178 more runs to win, with six wickets remaining.
Q: Who was the top scorer for West Indies?
A: Kraigg Brathwaite led the way with a steady 52.
Q: How has the Multan pitch behaved?
A: The pitch has offered significant turn and variable bounce, making batting increasingly challenging.
Q: Can Pakistan win this Test match?
A: While not impossible, Pakistan’s chances are slim, given the target, pitch conditions, and the dominance of West Indies’ spinners.
Final Thought
The Multan Test has set the stage for a thrilling finish, with the West Indies on the brink of a memorable victory and Pakistan left searching for a miracle. The hosts will need to dig deep and put up a strong fight to avoid a collapse, while the visitors will look to capitalize on their momentum and level the series.
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