On Monday, the West Indies achieved a historic victory in Pakistan, winning the second Test match by 120 runs in Multan. This victory marked their first Test win in Pakistan in nearly 35 years, drawing the series 1-1 after Pakistan’s 127-run win in the opening match. The West Indies’ triumph was not only significant for the result but also for the outstanding performance of their spin attack, led by Jomel Warrican.
Warrican was the star of the match, claiming five wickets in Pakistan’s second innings to help bowl them out for 133 runs. His exceptional bowling performance played a crucial role in securing the win. Warrican’s overall tally for the series stood at 19 wickets, including nine in this particular match, making him a standout performer on spin-friendly pitches. His spell was a stark reminder to Pakistan, a team renowned for their spin bowlers, of the West Indies’ ability to dominate in similar conditions.
The last time the West Indies won a Test match in Pakistan was in Faisalabad in November 1990, making this victory even more memorable. The team had been unsuccessful in their subsequent tours to Pakistan in 1997 and 2006, so this win was a long-awaited achievement.
When Pakistan resumed their innings on the third day at 76-4, chasing a challenging target of 254, their hopes rested on the shoulders of Saud Shakeel. However, Kevin Sinclair removed Shakeel for just 13 runs, further diminishing Pakistan’s chances of mounting a comeback. Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 31 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan made 25, but the rest of the batting line-up could not offer much resistance to the West Indies’ spinners.
The victory not only leveled the series but also marked a significant moment in the West Indies’ cricketing history. For a team that has often struggled in Pakistan, this win will be remembered as a major accomplishment. It was a testament to the West Indies’ resilience and skill, especially in conditions that are typically favorable to the hosts.
With the series drawn and Warrican’s stellar performance leading the charge, the West Indies will leave Pakistan with a sense of pride and accomplishment, having delivered a historic win after more than three decades.
