The final match of the 2-match test series between Pakistan and West Indies I had it all. The history books were rewritten and the public witnessed an unmatched rivalry between the players of both teams. The bowlers dominated the course of play while the batsmen collided like a pack of cards. Overall, the West Indies outclassed Pakistan and achieved a historic Test victory. Multan Cricket Stadium at a time when the odds were completely against them. The visitors ended their tour of Pakistan with their heads held high as they pulled off a stunning comeback against Pakistan after a disastrous display with the bat on the opening day of the Test.
Pakistan succumbs to West Indies bowling attack
Day 3 of the second Test began with Pakistan already on the back foot at 71/4 and still a mountain to climb considering the field had already shown significant support to the spinners throughout the series. The opening session also brought no relief to the home team as wickets continued to fall in quick succession with the trio of turns Jomel Warrican, Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie rattled Pakistan’s remaining innings.
While Sinclair sent experienced Pakistani batsman Saud Shakeel back to the pavilion, Warrican ended the resistance of Kashif Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. After the traditional batsmen were sent back to the pavilion, it was only a matter of time before the West Indies clinched the remaining wickets and recorded a monumental Test victory against Pakistan by 120 runs. This is his first victory in a test on Pakistani soil in a span of 34 years. The last time a Caribbean team defeated Pakistan on their own ground was during their tour to Pakistan in 1990/91, when they triumphed over the home team by 7 wickets.
Also WATCH: Noman Ali outclasses West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with impressive delivery | PAK vs WI, second test
A masterclass from West Indies bowlers
Although the West Indies batsmen crashed in the first innings, they made a stunning comeback during the second innings to score 244 runs in 66.1 overs. Leading by 9 runs over Pakistan after the end of the Pakistani first innings, the home team needed 253 runs to win the final Test and claim a series victory.
However, the West Indies bowlers had other ideas, in the absence of an experienced pacer. Kemar Roachwho was unable to bowl after a groin injury on the second day of the match, the West Indies spinners ran the show and completely dismantled Pakistan’s batting order. The highest any Pakistani batsman could score against the West Indies spinners was a 31-run knock by Babar Azam.
Warrican was the most successful West Indies spinner who took 5 wickets during Pakistan’s second innings and gave away only 27 runs in his 16 overs. Sinclair and Motie also supported him with their impeccable performances taking 3 and 2 wickets respectively. Pakistan’s second innings could only last 43 overs as they were bowled out for 133 runs.
The defeat had a detrimental effect on Pakistan’s position in the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the current cycle. With 9 defeats in 14 games, they finish at the bottom of the table with only 27.98 percentage points (PCT). The West Indies, on the other hand, finished above Pakistan in the current WTC cycle with 8 losses and 28.21 PCT points.
This is how the fans reacted:
2024: WI won a test in 🇦🇺 after 28 years, on the ground that favored the host, and tied the series 1-1.
2025: WI won a test in 🇵🇰 after 35 years, with typical SC Turner, and tied the series 1-1.
They have won 2 road tests in one year, in completely different decks. I hope they grow from here. #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/CxoD3oIvXE
– Weirdgripping84 January 27, 2025
Pakistan finished last in the WTC final. #wtcfinal #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/mn6JJAhmKw
—Srishti Roy | Sristi ROY🇮🇳 (@Oppressor_Speak) January 27, 2025
Jomel Warrican returns it to Sajid Khan. He made this celebration after seeing off Warrican. What revenge!#POST | #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/8dbU0FHhHE
-Zain (@Zain_Cric) January 27, 2025
After the century against Nepal, Babar Azam has not scored a century in 61 innings!!
– In that time, Babar scored 1805 runs at an average of 31.66 and a score of over 15 fifties!
Babar Azam continues to fight in his current form #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/n6dB2jd0Vh
-Huzaifa (@Huzaifa_Says11) January 26, 2025
Fabulous win by a relatively inexperienced West Indies team in challenging foreign conditions. They have never complained publicly about the conditions. They just got on with the job. Big credit to Kraigg Brathwaite, Andre Coley and the team.
– Ian Raphael Obispo (@irbishi) January 27, 2025
Pakistan cricket in recent times:
Lost to USA
Lost to Zimbabwe
Lost to Ireland
Lost to Afghanistan
Lost to Bangladesh
Lost to West Indies#POST #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/JJ79ngE4IU– Hum Binod (@BinodnotVinod) January 27, 2025
In the middle of the gap, our players should play first class whenever they get the opportunity. Only then can you improve as a test team.
Long gaps in red-ball cricket are hurting Pakistan. We need to play more Test matches every year.#PAKvsWI #PakistanCricket https://t.co/QkCC5p9hB8
—Farhan Ahmad 🇵🇰 (@BeingFarhan04) January 27, 2025
In this WTC cycle, Pakistan lost Test Matches at home having oppositions in:
Bangladesh in the first inning: 26-6
West Indies in the first innings: 38-7A new low in the PCB Hall of Shame😟#PakvsWI #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pC7GKJShMX
-Zee (@Cric_B8) January 27, 2025
great victory of @windiescricket against Pakistan in Multan to level the two Test series. Remember, the Men in Maroon also drew the Test series against Australia. #PAKvsWI
– Debasis Sen (@debasissen) January 27, 2025
Pakistan finishes last in the WTC table.
Pakistan should be relegated to Tier 2 to play Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.#POST | #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/yuIlW61HzS-Zain (@Zain_Cric) January 27, 2025
Brilliant bowling performance by West Indies in 2nd Test 👊🏏
– First Test victory in Pakistan since 1990 👏👏#Cricket #POST #westindiescricket pic.twitter.com/jme5jL1MAw
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 27, 2025