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The second Test match between Pakistan and West Indies in Multan witnessed a spectacular display of spin bowling, culminating in a resounding victory for the home side. The West Indies batting line-up, which had already struggled against Pakistan's spinners in the previous match, once again found themselves completely outmatched. The opening day's play saw a dramatic collapse, leaving the visitors reeling at 54/8 within a mere 17 overs. This catastrophic start was largely attributed to the exceptional performance of Pakistan's spinners, particularly Noman Ali, who achieved the remarkable feat of taking a hat-trick – a first for a Pakistani spinner in a Test match – and ultimately finishing with figures of 6/41. This incredible bowling spell showcased both skill and precision, leaving the West Indies batters completely bewildered by the pace and guile of his deliveries. The early wickets put immense pressure on the already struggling batting order, creating a near-impossible situation for any potential recovery.
The initial downfall began with the early dismissal of Mikyle Louis by Kashif Ali, the Pakistani debutant, in his very first over of international cricket. This early breakthrough set the tone for the day, immediately putting the West Indies on the back foot. The pressure intensified when Sajid Khan dismissed another West Indies debutant, trapping him LBW. The arrival of Noman Ali further exacerbated the situation. His first over yielded a crucial wicket, removing Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies captain, LBW for a meager nine runs. Brathwaite's review proved unsuccessful, highlighting the precision and accuracy of the delivery. What followed was the breathtaking hat-trick, achieved in consecutive balls against Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, and Kevin Sinclair. Each dismissal was a testament to Noman Ali's skill and control, leaving the West Indies in complete disarray. The batters seemed entirely unprepared for the pace and turn of the ball, resulting in a series of poorly executed shots and straightforward dismissals.
Adding to the West Indies' woes, Sajid Khan claimed a crucial wicket just before Noman Ali's hat-trick, dismissing Alick Athanaze LBW with a cleverly disguised arm-ball. Kavem Hodge, after witnessing the carnage from the other end, fell victim to Abrar Ahmed, further highlighting the dominance of Pakistan's spin attack. However, the West Indies lower-order showed some resilience. A crucial 41-run partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach provided some much-needed stability and helped the team reach a respectable three-figure score. Motie played an exceptional innings, reaching his maiden Test fifty, adding much-needed runs and showcasing his tenacity under immense pressure. His innings of 55 runs was a display of composure amidst the chaos, highlighting the determination of the West Indies to salvage something from the collapse. However, Noman Ali returned to claim Roach’s wicket, completing his five-wicket haul. He later dismissed Motie, securing his impressive six-wicket haul.
The resistance wasn't entirely over. Joel Warrican, known for his aggressive batting style, further added to the late fightback. In a partnership with Motie, he scored a quick-fire 36 from just 40 balls, including a couple of towering sixes. This late surge added valuable runs to the West Indies total, showcasing a never-say-die attitude even in the face of complete devastation. This late effort, although insufficient to prevent an overwhelming defeat, demonstrated the spirit of the West Indies team, refusing to surrender even when the odds were heavily stacked against them. The innings concluded at 163, a score significantly below what would have been expected from a team of this caliber, particularly highlighting the absolute dominance displayed by Pakistan's spin bowlers. The match is likely to be remembered for the phenomenal bowling performance, particularly Noman Ali’s hat-trick, and the surprising resilience of the West Indies lower-order.
The West Indies' struggle against spin bowling is now a recurring theme on this tour. This match further cemented the narrative, emphasizing the need for the team to develop better strategies to counter such attacks. Pakistan's bowlers, on the other hand, exemplified the power of a well-coordinated and effective spin attack, demonstrating the ability to dismantle even the most experienced batting line-ups. Noman Ali's remarkable hat-trick will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of Test cricket history, not only for the achievement itself but also for the context in which it happened: a complete bowling domination that left the West Indies team reeling and ultimately defeated. The future matches in the series will be keenly watched to see if the West Indies can develop a more effective counter-strategy against the superior spin bowling from the Pakistan team. This match undoubtedly set a high benchmark for the series going forward, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next confrontation.