MULTAN – Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel displayed remarkable composure to rescue Pakistan’s faltering innings on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies, which began late due to fog.
Pakistan, electing to bat first, found themselves in dire straits at 46/4 but Mohammad Rizwan (51 not out) and Saud Shakeel (56 not out) forged an unbeaten 97-run partnership to steer the hosts to a more respectable 143/4 by the end of the session.
The pair stepped up when Pakistan’s top order crumbled under the pressure of West Indies’ pace attack, spearheaded by Jayden Seales who bowled a fiery 10-over spell, claiming three crucial wickets for just 21 runs in the early overs of the inning.
The fall of wickets began early for Pakistan with the first wicket falling at 16 runs when debutant Mohammad Huraira was dismissed for six runs, Skipper Shan Masood followed soon at 20, scoring just 11 runs, Kamran Ghulam was dismissed for five runs at 31 while Babar Azam lost his wicket at 46 after managing only eight runs, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel’s partnership injected stability and determination into the innings, countering the disciplined bowling of the West Indies. The resilience frustrated the visitors as they began to rebuild Pakistan’s innings.
The delayed start and low visibility due to morning fog added to the day’s challenges. The match will resume tomorrow with Pakistan hoping to build on their recovery, while the West Indies will look to capitalize on the early breakthroughs provided by bowling attack.
Squads
Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/batter), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper/batter), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Keacy Carty, Kevin Sinclair, Mikyle Louis and Tevin Imlach (wicket-keeper).
Also, part of the squad but not considered for selection in the first Test: Anderson Phillip, Joshua Da Silva (vice-captain) and Kemar Roach
