The Multan Test continued to unfold dramatically as 12 wickets tumbled in the first session of Day 3, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. West Indies, chasing 251, found themselves reeling at 54/5 at lunch, with Pakistan’s spinners wreaking havoc on a crumbling pitch.
Sajid Khan starred with a brilliant spell, claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs in his 8 overs. He dismissed key batters early, leaving the visitors in disarray. Noman Ali joined the party, chipping in with a wicket to put additional pressure on the West Indies middle order.
The session began with Pakistan’s tail being quickly wrapped up by West Indies’ Jomel Warrican, who finished with figures of 7/32. However, their batters couldn’t capitalize as they struggled against Pakistan's spin duo on a pitch offering variable bounce and sharp turn.
At the crease, Alick Athanaze (12 off 12 balls) stands as a glimmer of hope for the visitors, but with only 197 runs needed and just five wickets remaining, the task appears daunting.
The match has moved extraordinarily, and the second session promises more excitement. Will Pakistan's bowlers finish the job, or can West Indies find a hero to pull off a miracle?
The first Test between Pakistan and the West Indies at Multan has set the stage for an exciting finish. After a dramatic third day, the visitors required 251 runs to claim victory.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 157 in their second innings, setting the West Indies a challenging target on a deteriorating pitch. West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican was the star of the day, delivering a masterclass in spin bowling. Warrican claimed an extraordinary 7 for 32 in 18 overs, dismantling Pakistan's middle and lower order in a session where the hosts lost seven wickets for just 48 runs.
Resuming the day at 109 for 3, Pakistan's batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Saud Shakeel was dismissed off the first ball of the day, and the rest of the batters struggled against Warrican's guile and the variable bounce of the surface.
Vital Contributions: Despite the collapse, Pakistan's first-innings 140-run partnership proved crucial, as it gave them the edge in a low-scoring match.
West Indies' Task: Set a target of 251, the visitors will need resilience and skill to overcome the challenge on a pitch that is offering sharp turn and inconsistent bounce.
Match situation
West Indies' openers Kraigg Brathwaite and debutant Mikyle Louis began cautiously, managing to survive the solitary over before lunch. The visitors remain at 0/0 in 0.1 overs, needing 251 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.
What lies ahead?
The fourth innings promises to be a battle of nerves, as Pakistan's spinners, led by Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, look to exploit the tricky conditions. For West Indies, patience and partnerships will be key if they are to pull off a remarkable victory.
As fans eagerly await the final sessions, the question remains: can West Indies defy the odds and script a memorable chase, or will Pakistan's spinners spin them out of contention? Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling finish in Multan!
