Pakistan’s batting lineup faced early chaos but found stability thanks to remarkable half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first Test against the West Indies in Multan. After being reduced to 46 for 4 in challenging conditions, the duo stitched an unbeaten 97-run partnership to end the day at a respectable 143 for 4.
Seales’ Stunning Start Rattles Pakistan
The match began under unusual circumstances, with a delayed start due to heavy fog enveloping the ground. Despite the hazy conditions and floodlights, Pakistan opted to bat first. Early on, West Indies pacer Jayden Seales wreaked havoc, exploiting the slight seam movement on a spin-friendly pitch.
Seales dismissed debutant Mohammad Hurraira, Kamran Ghulam, and skipper Babar Azam in quick succession, leaving Pakistan’s top order in tatters. His deliveries showcased precision and skill, including a peach of a ball to remove Babar Azam, which clipped the outside edge and was comfortably caught by debutant wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach.
For detailed stats on Seales’ bowling and recent performances, visit FindCric.com’s Player Profiles.
Shakeel and Rizwan: Pakistan’s Saviors
With the top order collapsing, Pakistan found hope in Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Shakeel, seasoned on subcontinental pitches, brought calmness to the crease, while Rizwan’s counter-attacking approach added momentum.
After tea, the duo shifted gears, finding gaps and hitting seven boundaries in six overs. Rizwan used his feet adeptly against spinners like Kevin Sinclair, while Shakeel displayed deft sweeps to counter the turn.
Their gritty stand brought Pakistan back into the game, ensuring a much-needed recovery. Shakeel’s fifty came off a composed display, while Rizwan reached his milestone with a mix of aggression and concentration.
For an in-depth analysis of Shakeel and Rizwan’s batting strategies, explore FindCric.com’s Match Insights section.
Pitch and Weather: A Tough Combo
The surface in Multan was designed to favor spinners, evident from the decision to start with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. However, Seales’ early burst highlighted the dual challenges of seam and spin.
Adding to the difficulty was the hazy weather, which necessitated floodlights throughout the day. As the light deteriorated, the players were eventually forced off the field, leaving Pakistan in a better position than expected.
Want to know how weather impacts match strategies? Check out FindCric.com’s Cricket Science articles.
Key Highlights
- Jayden Seales took 3 for 21, dismantling Pakistan’s top order.
- Saud Shakeel (56)* and Mohammad Rizwan (51)* led the fightback with a 97-run partnership.
- The pitch, tailored for spin, saw seamers dominate early on.
- Light conditions ended play prematurely, with Pakistan at 143 for 4.
FAQs
Q: How did Pakistan recover after losing four early wickets?
A: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan formed a crucial 97-run partnership, displaying resilience and counter-attacking cricket.
Q: Who was the standout bowler for the West Indies on Day 1?
A: Jayden Seales impressed with figures of 3 for 21, dismissing key players like Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam.
Q: Why was the start of the match delayed?
A: Heavy fog in Multan caused a four-hour delay before play could begin under floodlights.
Q: What was the pitch condition like in Multan?
A: The pitch was designed to assist spinners, but seam movement early on proved decisive, allowing fast bowlers to shine.