NEW DELHI: Spin duo of Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed starred yet again as Pakistan secured a dominant 127-run victory over West Indies on the third day of the first Test match in Multan on Sunday.
While Sajid bagged five wickets, Abrar picked up four to shoot down West Indies for 123 in 36.3 overs in the fourth innings.
With the clinical win, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.
Sajid finished with match figures of 9 for 115, while Abrar’s second innings haul of 4 for 27 helped dismiss West Indies for a lowly 123 in their chase of 251. Noman Ali also chipped in with one wicket as Pakistan’s spinners claimed all ten wickets in the tourists’ second innings.
Alick Athanaze was the lone bright spot for West Indies, scoring 55 and adding 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Tevin Imlach. However, Sajid removed Athanaze, and Abrar claimed the final wicket of Jomel Warrican to seal the win for Pakistan.
Warrican had earlier led the West Indies spin attack, taking a career-best 7 for 32 as Pakistan were bowled out for 157 in their second innings. His figures were the best by a West Indian bowler in Pakistan, surpassing Malcolm Marshall’s 5 for 33 at Lahore in 1986.
The Test match lasted fewer than eight sessions, despite a delayed start on the first day due to poor visibility. The Multan pitch offered sharp turn, which Pakistan’s spinners exploited to great effect.
Sajid dismissed key batters, including skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (12), Keacy Carty (6), Kavem Hodge (0), and Mikyle Louis (13). Noman trapped Justin Greaves leg before wicket for nine just before lunch, leaving West Indies in trouble at 54 ror 5.
Earlier, Pakistan had resumed their second innings on 109 for 3 but could only add 48 runs.
Warrican’s impressive bowling earned him match figures of 10 for 101, his first 10-wicket haul in a Test match.
The second Test match is scheduled to begin on January 25, also in Multan.
