Multan's wicket-fest sets new Test record in Pakistan

MULTAN: The second Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies etched its name in the annals of cricket history, with a total of 20 wickets falling in a single day, showcasing the dominance of the bowlers and the challenges posed by the pitch.

Held at the iconic Multan Cricket Stadium, the opening day of the match saw both teams struggle in what became an unforgettable spectacle of wickets tumbling.

Batting first, the West Indies were bowled out for a modest 163 runs in their first innings. Pakistan, in response, faced a similar fate, losing all 10 wickets for just 154 runs.

The dramatic fall of wickets on the first day brought the match close to the record set on the second day of the first Test series between the same opponents, where 19 wickets had fallen, echoing the intensity of the thrilling 2004 Multan Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, where 18 wickets had tumbled on the second day.

The West Indies, after losing the first Test by 127 runs at the same venue, found themselves under pressure.

The Caribbean team was dismissed for just 163 runs, thanks to a brilliant six-wicket haul by Pakistan's Noman Ali.

Pakistan's reply, however, was not much better, as they were bundled out for 154 runs, just nine runs short of the West Indies' total.

Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie were the stars of the day for the West Indies, claiming four and three wickets, respectively, in their brilliant spells.

As the match heads into day two, the West Indies will resume their second innings with a slender lead of just nine runs, promising an intense continuation of this historic Test.

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, Kashif Ali.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Mikyle Louis, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach(w), Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican