Saud, Rizwan lift Pakistan after West Indies’ rampant start

The duo recovers Pakistan from 46/4 with an unbeaten 97-run partnership

By Web Desk
January 17, 2025
Pakistan's Saud Shakeel in action during the first day of the first Test against West Indies in Multan on January 17, 2025. — AFP

MULTAN: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan extended their fourth-wicket partnership to put Pakistan in a comfortable position against West Indies on the first day of the opening day here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday.

At the conclusion of the opening day, majorly affected by the weather, with the first session getting abandoned due to dense fog here, before bad light forcing an early closure, Pakistan were 143/4 in 41.3 overs.

Saud and Rizwan, who put together an unbeaten 97-run partnership for the fourth wicket, will resume Pakistan's first innings on the second day.

Saud had scored an unbeaten 56 off 100 deliveries, laced with four boundaries, while Rizwan was not out on 51, featuring seven boundaries.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first.

The southpaw’s decision, however, did not turn out beneficial for his side as Seales ripped through their top order with three wickets, including that of their star batter Babar Azam, who only managed eight.

As a result, the home side had slipped to 46/4 in 13.3 overs until Saud and Rizwan launched recovery.

The duo batted sensibly against a momentum-filled West Indian bowling attack to add an unbeaten 40-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

When the on-field Rod Tucker called for Tea, Saud was unbeaten on 33, while Rizwan had scored 18 not out.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Muhammad Huraira, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves , Tevin Imlach (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican, Jayden Seales.

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