Pakistan's Spinners Dominate as Sajid, Abrar Seal Crushing Win Over West Indies

Multan, Pakistan: Pakistan's spinners put on a masterclass in the first Test against West Indies, securing a commanding 127-run victory within three days at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Sajid Khan’s spectacular 5-50 and match figures of 9-115, supported by Abrar Ahmed’s 4-27, decimated the visitors' batting lineup as West Indies were bowled out for 123, chasing a target of 251.

The match saw spinners dominate on a sharply turning Multan pitch, with all 10 West Indies wickets in the second innings claimed by Pakistan’s spin trio. Sajid was the standout performer, dismissing key players like Kraigg Brathwaite (12) and Alick Athanaze (55), the latter being the only West Indies batter to register a half-century in the match.

Abrar Ahmed delivered a lethal spell, including the final wicket of Jomel Warrican, ensuring Pakistan gained an early lead in the two-Test series. Noman Ali chipped in with 1-42, trapping Justin Greaves (9) leg-before in a decisive over before lunch.

Warrican Shines Amidst Collapse
For the visitors, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican delivered a career-best performance, taking 7-32 in Pakistan's second innings for match figures of 10-101—the best by a West Indies bowler in Pakistan. His brilliance kept West Indies in contention briefly, as Pakistan added just 48 runs on the third morning, folding for 157.

Warrican’s efforts surpassed Malcolm Marshall’s 5-33 in Lahore back in 1986 but were ultimately overshadowed by Pakistan’s dominant spin display.

Key Partnerships and Turning Points

• Pakistan’s Second Innings Collapse: Warrican struck early on day three, removing overnight batters Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan for just two runs each.
• West Indies’ Brief Resistance: Alick Athanaze and Tevin Imlach added a crucial 41-run partnership before Sajid and Abrar broke through.
• Quick Finish: Sajid and Abrar cleaned up the tail, with the match concluding in fewer than eight sessions.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on January 25 in Multan, where Pakistan will aim to clinch the series.