Pakistan secured a vital 43-run lead in the first innings after dismissing West Indies for 344 on the third day of the second Test at Multan Cricket Stadium. Following Pakistan’s total of 387, the West Indies struggled to build momentum as Pakistan’s bowlers consistently took wickets.
Alick Athanaze was the highest scorer for the West Indies with 55 runs, supported by Justin Greaves who made 53. Captain Roston Chase contributed 28 runs, while Tevin Imlach added 18. The bowling effort was spearheaded by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, each claiming three wickets. Abbas Afridi took two wickets, and Abrar Ahmed along with Awais Zafar chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan were all out for 387 in their first innings, thanks largely to an impressive century from opener Abdullah Shafique, who scored 123 runs. His performance laid a solid foundation for Pakistan’s innings. Babar Azam also played a significant role, scoring 88 runs, while Azan Awais contributed 55. Sajid Khan added 30 runs, Mohammad Rizwan made 18, and Imam-ul-Haq scored 14.
In response, the West Indies faced regular setbacks, although Chandrapaul Hemraj and Justin Greaves resisted effectively. Greaves scored 73 runs off 150 balls, and captain Roston Chase provided stability with 70 runs from 126 deliveries. Hemraj contributed 16 runs, and Brandon King added 45 before being dismissed. Despite these efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure and wrapped up the innings at 344.
With a 43-run lead, Pakistan enters the next phase of the match with the second Test finely poised, setting the stage for an exciting contest ahead.
