Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Match Details 2025
The first Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies in 2025 took place at the Multan Cricket Stadium from January 17 to January 19. This match not only marked a significant victory for Pakistan but also showcased their dominance with a stellar performance by their spin attack. Pakistan’s victory in this match, by a commanding 127-run margin, gave them a strong start in the World Test Championship cycle. Learn more about the World Test Championship.
Match Summary
The first Test match of the 2025 series was a thrilling contest, with both teams putting in their best efforts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key moments:
Pakistan’s First Innings
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for a thrilling opening. They managed to score 230 runs in their first inning. Despite a few challenges, Saud Shakeel played a solid knock, scoring 56 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed an important 51 runs to the total.
West Indies’ First Innings
When the West Indies came to bat, they faced tough resistance from Pakistan’s bowlers, especially their spin trio. They were bowled out for just 137 runs. The star of the innings was Sajid Khan, who claimed 4 wickets for 38 runs. Alongside him, Noman Ali also delivered a brilliant performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, while Abrar Ahmed shone with a remarkable 6 wickets for 47 runs. Pakistan’s spinners were clearly in control, setting the stage for a dominant performance.
Pakistan’s Second Innings
Pakistan, taking advantage of the pitch conditions, declared their second inning at 157 runs, setting a challenging target of 250 runs for the West Indies to win the match. The decision to declare was made with the thought that their spinners would get ample time to work their magic in the second inning.
West Indies’ Second Innings
Facing a stiff target, the West Indies found themselves struggling once again. Pakistan’s spinners proved too much for the West Indies’ batting lineup. The West Indies were bowled out for just 123 runs, giving Pakistan a comprehensive victory by 127 runs. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali again played crucial roles, with Sajid Khan claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs and Noman Ali adding 1 wicket for 22 runs. Abrar Ahmed also picked up 3 wickets for 30 runs, completing a superb match for the spin trio.
Scorecard
Pakistan First Innings:
- 230 all out
- Saud Shakeel: 56
- Mohammad Rizwan: 51
West Indies First Innings:
- 137 all out
- Sajid Khan: 4/38
- Noman Ali: 4/22
- Abrar Ahmed: 6/47
Pakistan Second Innings:
- 157 all out
West Indies Second Innings:
- 123 all out
- Sajid Khan: 4/38
- Noman Ali: 1/22
- Abrar Ahmed: 3/30
Man of the Match
Abrar Ahmed was rightfully named the Man of the Match for his extraordinary performance in both innings. With a total of 9 wickets across the two innings, he was the standout performer for Pakistan in this Test match. His relentless accuracy and ability to break key partnerships were crucial in ensuring Pakistan’s dominance.
Match Conditions
The match was played on a dry pitch at the Multan Cricket Stadium, which heavily favoured spin bowling. The pitch conditions made it difficult for the batsmen to score freely, and the spin bowlers from both teams took full advantage of the situation. Both Pakistan and the West Indies opted to field three spinners in their playing XI, further underscoring the importance of spin in the match. Read more about the conditions at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Series Context
This series between Pakistan and the West Indies is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Both teams are aiming to improve their positions in the standings, and this victory by Pakistan in the first Test gives them a significant advantage going into the remaining matches. Pakistan’s strong performance, particularly with the ball, puts them in a dominant position to win the series and gain valuable points in the championship.
Key Players and Performances
Pakistan’s Spin Trio:
- Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed were undoubtedly the stars of the match. Together, they took all 20 wickets in the game, underscoring the importance of spin in Pakistan’s strategy.
- Sajid Khan, with 8 wickets in total, was exceptional in breaking the back of the West Indies’ batting. His controlled spell in the second inning was pivotal in securing the win.
- Noman Ali, with 5 wickets across both innings, played a crucial supporting role, maintaining pressure at one end while his colleagues took wickets at the other.
- Abrar Ahmed, with his stunning 9-wicket haul, was the main destroyer, wreaking havoc on the West Indies’ batting lineup.
Pakistan’s Top Batsmen:
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were the key contributors in Pakistan’s first innings. Saud Shakeel’s 56 runs were vital in helping Pakistan reach a competitive total, while Mohammad Rizwan’s composed 51 helped Pakistan consolidate their position after a few early wickets.
Why Spin Bowlers Made the Difference
The dry pitch at Multan played a huge part in Pakistan’s victory. Spin bowling took centre stage throughout the match, and Pakistan’s spinners proved too much for the West Indies’ batting. The dry conditions allowed for sharp turns and bounces, which made batting difficult and turned the match in favour of the home team.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s commanding victory in the 1st Test Match against West Indies in 2025 demonstrated the potency of their spin attack. The spin trio of Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed were simply unstoppable, sharing all 20 wickets between them. Abrar Ahmed’s outstanding 9-wicket performance earned him the Man of the Match award and was key to Pakistan’s 127-run victory.
With this win, Pakistan has placed themselves in a strong position to win the series, and it will be interesting to see how the West Indies respond in the upcoming matches. The result also reinforces Pakistan’s reputation as a strong team on home soil, especially when the conditions favour spin bowlers.
FAQs:
- Who was the standout performer in the Pakistan vs West Indies 1st Test Match?
- Abrar Ahmed was the standout performer, taking 9 wickets across both innings, helping Pakistan secure a 127-run victory.
- What was the key factor in Pakistan’s win?
- The key factor in Pakistan’s win was their spin bowling, led by Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, who took all 20 wickets in the match.
- What are the conditions like at Multan Cricket Stadium?
- The conditions at Multan Cricket Stadium favored spin bowling, with a dry pitch that allowed the ball to turn and bounce, challenging the batsmen. Check out the latest updates from the PCB.
- How did Pakistan perform in the first innings?
- Pakistan scored 230 runs in their first innings, with Saud Shakeel contributing 56 runs and Mohammad Rizwan scoring 51 runs.
- What does this win mean for Pakistan in the World Test Championship?
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- This victory gives Pakistan a strong start in the World Test Championship, boosting their chances of improving their standings in the tournament. Explore more about the World Test Championship here.
- This victory gives Pakistan a strong start in the World Test Championship, boosting their chances of improving their standings in the tournament. Explore more about the World Test Championship here.
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Muhammad Anas
