West Indies vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1 – A Spinning Spectacle at Multan
The opening day of the second Test between West Indies and Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium turned into a cricketing carnival that will be remembered for years to come. In a remarkable display of spin bowling dominance, an astonishing 20 wickets fell on Day 1 alone, leaving fans, pundits, and players alike in a state of disbelief. When the stumps were drawn, West Indies had snatched a slender 9-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for 154 in response to their own total of 163.
On a spin-friendly pitch that proved to be a bowler’s paradise, the contest between bat and ball was heavily one-sided. Pakistan’s Noman Ali produced a career-defining spell with figures of 6 for 52, while West Indies’ Jomel Warrican responded with a magnificent 4-wicket haul to keep his team in the hunt. This was Test cricket at its most unpredictable and thrilling best.
Match Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1 |
| Tournament | Pakistan vs West Indies Test Series 2026 |
| Venue | Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan |
| Date | Saturday, 1 August 2026 |
| Result after Day 1 | West Indies lead by 9 runs |
| Wickets on Day 1 | 20 wickets |
| Player of the Day | Noman Ali (6/52) & Jomel Warrican (4 wickets) |
Toss and Early Drama
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that already showed signs of significant turn. The decision, however, backfired spectacularly as Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through the West Indian top order with ruthless efficiency.
Noman Ali’s Hat-Trick Heroics
Noman Ali was the architect of West Indies’ collapse. The left-arm spinner produced a hat-trick that left the Caribbean batters shell-shocked. What followed was a ruthless display of spin bowling as Noman and Sajid Khan dismantled West Indies’ top and middle order, leaving them gasping at 38 for 7 in just 12 overs.
On debut, right-arm pacer Kashif Ali struck gold in his very first over, dismissing Mikyle Louis for just 4. Sajid Khan soon joined the party, reducing the visitors to 9 for 2. The West Indian batters had no answer to the prodigious turn and bounce generated by the Pakistani spinners on a surface that was already breaking up.
The Tailenders’ Fightback
Just when Pakistan seemed poised to bowl out the opposition cheaply, West Indies’ tailenders mounted a stunning fightback. Partnerships between the lower-order batsmen added valuable runs, pushing the score from 38 for 7 to a respectable 163.
Noman Ali finally ended the resistance, claiming his sixth wicket to finish with career-best figures of 6 for 52. Sajid Khan grabbed 2 wickets, while Kashif Ali and Abrar Ahmed took one apiece.
West Indies were bowled out for 163 in 41.1 overs.
Pakistan’s Response: Another Batting Collapse
If West Indies’ batting struggled, Pakistan’s was no better. The pressure of the disciplined West Indian bowling attack proved too much for the home side’s batting lineup.
Roach’s Early Breakthroughs
The early blows were dealt by veteran pacer Kemar Roach, who dismissed Mohammad Haris for 9 and bowled Babar Azam for just 1. The Pakistan skipper, who had scored an unbeaten 58 in the first Test, failed to make an impact on this treacherous surface.
Captain Shan Masood (15) also fell victim to Roach, leaving Pakistan tottering at 22 for 3. Kamran Ghulam departed for 16, making matters worse.
Rizwan and Shakeel’s Resistance
Amidst the chaos, Saud Shakeel (32) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) showed resilience, stitching together a valuable partnership to steady the innings. Rizwan, just one run shy of a half-century, looked set to guide Pakistan to a lead before falling to Jomel Warrican’s left-arm spin.
Warrican’s Four-Wicket Haul
Jomel Warrican was the standout performer for West Indies, picking up 4 wickets with superb control and accuracy. Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 3 wickets, while Kemar Roach’s early breakthroughs earned him 2 scalps.
Pakistan’s lower order failed to offer any resistance as Kashif Ali and Noman Ali departed for ducks, while Sajid Khan remained unbeaten on 16.
Pakistan were bowled out for 154 in 47 overs, trailing by 9 runs.
Key Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Noman Ali (Pakistan) | 6 for 52 – Career-best figures and a hat-trick |
| Jomel Warrican (West Indies) | 4 wickets – Led the West Indian spin attack |
| Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) | 49 runs – Top scorer for Pakistan |
| Saud Shakeel (Pakistan) | 32 runs – Steady innings under pressure |
| Kemar Roach (West Indies) | 2 early wickets – Removed Babar Azam and Shan Masood |
| Gudakesh Motie (West Indies) | 3 wickets – Supported Warrican brilliantly |
| Sajid Khan (Pakistan) | 2 wickets & 16* – Contributed with both bat and ball |
What This Day Means
The opening day of the second Test was nothing short of extraordinary. Twenty wickets fell on Day 1, a statistic that underscores the spin-friendly conditions at Multan. Both teams struggled to cope with the turning track, and the contest is now finely balanced as the second day looms.
For Pakistan, Noman Ali’s hat-trick and career-best figures of 6 for 52 were the highlights. However, their batting collapse, led by Jomel Warrican’s 4-wicket haul, means they will have to do the catching up on day two.
For West Indies, the slender 9-run lead gives them a psychological advantage. The tailenders’ fightback to reach 163 after being 38 for 7 was a testament to their fighting spirit.
Records and Milestones
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Most wickets on Day 1 of a Test | 20 wickets – Joint record |
| Noman Ali’s hat-trick | First for Pakistan in Tests? |
| Noman Ali’s figures | 6 for 52 – Career-best |
| West Indies’ recovery | From 38/7 to 163 all out |
| Pakistan’s collapse | From 22/3 to 154 all out |
What’s Next?
As the second day approaches, the contest promises to deliver even more thrills and twists. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, spinners from both sides will continue to dominate. Pakistan will look to build on their slim deficit, while West Indies will aim to extend their lead and put pressure on the home side.
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For more cricket news and analysis, check out ESPNcricinfo’s coverage of the Pakistan vs West Indies series and follow BBC Sport’s ball-by-ball commentary throughout the Test.
Final Thoughts
The West Indies vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1 was a spinning spectacle that showcased the very best and most unpredictable aspects of Test cricket. On a surface where 20 wickets fell in a single day, it was the spinners – Noman Ali and Jomel Warrican – who stole the show.
For Pakistan, Noman’s hat-trick and career-best figures were the highlights of a day that otherwise belonged to the bowlers. For West Indies, the 9-run lead and the fightback from 38 for 7 to 163 gives them hope of a series-levelling victory.
As the 2026 season unfolds, one thing is certain: Test cricket in the subcontinent, with its spin-friendly pitches and dramatic collapses, promises plenty more drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
Match reported live from Multan Cricket Stadium. For more cricket news, analysis, and betting insights, visit silverexch.fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test?
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first.
How many wickets fell on Day 1 of the West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test?
A total of 20 wickets fell on the opening day.
What was Noman Ali’s bowling figures on Day 1?
Noman Ali took 6 wickets for 52 runs, including a hat-trick.
Who was the top scorer for Pakistan on Day 1?
Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 49 runs, falling just one short of a half-century.
What is the lead after Day 1 of the West Indies vs Pakistan 2nd Test?
West Indies lead by 9 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 154 in response to their 163.
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