Spinner Jomel Warrican’s brilliant five-wicket haul led the West Indies to a historic Test win in Pakistan after nearly 35 years. The visitors triumphed by 120 runs in the second Test in Multan on Monday, leveling the series 1-1.
Pakistan had won the first Test in Multan with a 127-run victory, but Warrican’s exceptional performance turned the tables in the second match. The left-arm spinner exploited the spin-friendly conditions to perfection, finishing with nine wickets in the match and 19 in the series, giving Pakistan a taste of their own conditions.
This victory marked the West Indies’ first Test win on Pakistani soil since their triumph in Faisalabad in November 1990. It also ended their winless streaks from tours in 1997 and 2006.
Pakistan’s Collapse and West Indies’ Dominance
Chasing a target of 254, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 76-4 on day three, with their hopes pinned on Saud Shakeel. However, Kevin Sinclair dismissed Shakeel for 13, caught in the slips, dealing a major blow to the hosts.
Babar Azam top-scored with 31, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 25. But Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, eventually being bowled out for just 133 runs.
Warrican dismissed nightwatchman Kashif Ali for one early in the day, reducing Pakistan to 76-6. Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha offered some resistance with a 39-run stand for the seventh wicket. However, Warrican trapped Salman leg-before for 15 and then bowled Rizwan, leaving the visitors on the brink of victory.
Gudakesh Motie added to the pressure with figures of 2-35, removing Noman Ali for six. Warrican fittingly sealed the win, bowling Sajid Khan for seven as the West Indies celebrated an emphatic victory.
Implications for the ICC World Test Championship
The loss dropped Pakistan to ninth and last place in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Wwhile the West Indies moved up to eighth. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia will face South Africa in the WTC final at Lord’s in June.
This memorable win in Multan not only ended a decades-long drought for the West Indies but also showcased their resilience and skill in unfamiliar conditions.
